Effects of Triple- Alpha and CNO reaction rates on the evolution of low mass stars

In this study, the effects of the energy generation rates of Triple Alpha and CNO nuclear reactions on the evolution of Main sequence star models with masses in the range of 0.65-1.2 Mʘ were investigated. Metal ratios were taken as Z = 0.003, Z = 0.02 and Z = 0.03. Paczynski's GOB, SCH and HB7 star model programs were used for each model. The ages of stars were calculated using the original NACRE (Nuclear Astrophysics Compilation of Reactions) energy evolution rates and NACRE rates reduced by ten percent. The ages of the current IT Cas and V 636 Cen stars were calculated and compared with the results in the literature. Since Triple Alpha reactions are very difficult to perform in terrestrial laboratories, this theoretical model study will shed light on observational studies of low-mass and even massive stars.