The helium-driven r-process in supernovae

Abstract

Enhanced r-process components and associated oxygen and magnesium anomalies found in two inclusions of the Allende meteorite have led to a reexamination of the general r-process within the nucleosynthesis processes occurring in supernovae. Results of calculations based on the supernova trigger theory for the origin of the solar system (Cameron and Truran, 1977) indicate that a powerful r-process can take place when supernova shocks pass through the helium zones of massive stars. The role of extensive helium burning before the supernova explosions in reducing r-process neutron production is discussed.