Clayton, Donald D.2016-04-222016-04-221970Perrone, Frank Anthony. "Temperature enhanced alpha-decay and the S process." (1970) Master’s Thesis, Rice University. <a href="https://hdl.handle.net/1911/90064">https://hdl.handle.net/1911/90064</a>.https://hdl.handle.net/1911/90064In this paper temperature enhanced alpha-decay at high stellar temperatures is investigated in conjunction with s-process nucleosynthesis. Temperature dependent alpha-decay is assumed to be the result of more energetic, hence faster, decay from thermally excited nuclear states. An analytical formula for the temperature dependent half-life is derived as a function of the atomic number and weight, temperature, and the alpha-decay Q-value of the isotope. The effect of such alpha-decay upon s-process abundances is discussed and information about s-process neutron flux strengths is deduced based on the calculated alpha-decay half-lives of the isotopes Nd 144 and Sm 150. The neutron flux-temperature relationships are compared to specific constant temperature carbon burning models. The carbon burning phases of massive stars are considered to be possible sources of solar system s-process abundances. Finally, information regarding the time between s-process termination and final interstellar injection of s-process products is derived using the decay calculations.75 ppengCopyright is held by the author, unless otherwise indicated. Permission to reuse, publish, or reproduce the work beyond the bounds of fair use or other exemptions to copyright law must be obtained from the copyright holder.ThesisRICE1100reformatted digitalThesis PHYS. 1970 PERRONE