The magneto-rotational instability in massive stars

Abstract

Context. The magneto-rotational instability (MRI) has been proposed as a mechanism to transport angular momentum (AM) and chemical elements in theoretical stellar models. Aims. Using as a prototype a massive star of 15 M⊙ with solar metallicity, we explore the effects of the MRI on the evolution of massive stars. Methods. We used the Geneva Stellar Evolution Code to simulate the evolution of various models, up to the end of oxygen burning, including the MRI through effective, one-dimensional, diffusion coefficients. We consider different trigger conditions (depending on the weighting of chemical gradients through an arbitrary but commonly used factor) and different treatments of meridional circulation as either advective or diffusive. We also compare the MRI with the Tayler-Spruit (TS) dynamo in models that included both instabilities. Results. The MRI triggers throughout stellar evolution. Its activation is highly sensitive to the treatment of meridional circulation and the existence of chemical gradients. The MRI is very efficient at transporting both matter and AM, leading to noticeable differences in rotation rates and chemical structure, which may be observable in young main sequence stars. While the TS dynamo is the dominant mechanism for transferring AM, the MRI remains relevant in models where both instabilities are included. Extrapolation of our results suggests that models that include the MRI tend to develop more compact cores, which likely produce failed explosions and black holes, than models where only the TS dynamo is included (where explosions and neutron stars may be more frequent). Conclusions. The MRI can be an important factor in massive star evolution but is very sensitive to the implementation of other processes in the model. The transport of AM and chemical elements due to the MRI alters the rotation rates and the chemical makeup of the star from the core to the surface and may change the explodability properties of massive stars.