Sensitivity study of chemistry in AGB outflows using chemical kinetics

Asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars shed a significant amount of their mass in the form of a stellar wind, creating a vast circumstellar envelope (CSE). Owing to the ideal combination of relatively high densities and cool temperatures, CSEs serve as rich astrochemical laboratories. While the chemical structure of AGB outflows has been modelled and analysed in detail for specific physical setups, there is a lack of understanding regarding the impact of changes in the physical environment on chemical abundances. A systematic sensitivity study is necessary to comprehend the nuances in the physical parameter space, given the complexity of the chemistry. This is crucial for estimating uncertainties associated with simulations and observations. In this work, we present the first sensitivity study of the impact of varying outflow densities and temperature profiles on the chemistry. With the use of a chemical kinetics model, we report on the uncertainty in abundances, given a specific uncertainty on the physical parameters. In addition, we analyse the molecular envelope extent of parent species and compare our findings to observational studies. Mapping the impact of differences in physical parameters throughout the CSE on the chemistry is a strong aid to observational studies.

Automated summary

Asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars lose mass through stellar wind, forming vast circumstellar envelopes (CSE) that are ideal astrochemical laboratories. However, the impact of changes in the physical environment on chemical abundances in AGB outflows is not well understood. A systematic sensitivity study is crucial to estimate uncertainties in simulations and observations. In this study, we investigate the impact of varying outflow densities and temperature profiles on chemistry in the CSE, providing valuable insights for observational studies.