On the evolution of the main-sequence stars

Abstract

The evolution of the stars on the main sequence consequent to the gradual burning of the hydrogen in the central regions is examined. It is shown that, as a result of the decrease in the hydrogen content in these regions, the convective core (normally present in a star) eventually gives place to an isothermal core. It is further shown that there is an upper limit (~10 per cent) to the fraction of the total mass of hydrogen which can thus be exhausted. Some further remarks on what is to be expected beyond this point are also made.