Stellar Structure and Evolution

Abstract

In this chapter the equations of stellar structure are introduced. Up-to-date descriptions of the most relevant microphysics needed to build reliable stellar configurations are also provided. These include the equation of state, nuclear reactions, opacities, and other less frequently discussed physical processes, such as diffusion and radiative levitation. The necessary numerical techniques currently employed to build evolutionary stellar models as well as the otherwise necessary boundary conditions needed to integrate the equations of stellar structure are also addressed. Finally, an overview of the current state-of-the-art modeling is given.