Closed-box galactic enrichment model
In a well-mixed closed gas-plus-star system with initially zero metallicity, instantaneous recycling and constant yield p per mass locked in long-lived stars, gas metallicity follows Z=p ln(1/μ), where μ=M_gas/M_total.
Key knowledge
In a well-mixed closed gas-plus-star system with initially zero metallicity, instantaneous recycling and constant yield p per mass locked in long-lived stars, gas metallicity follows Z=p ln(1/μ), where μ=M_gas/M_total. This reference model links stellar synthesis to the remaining gas fraction; an inferred effective yield need not equal the true stellar yield.
Values and equations
Z=p ln(1/μ); μ=M_gas/M_total
- Z,p
- gas metal mass fraction and yield per locked stellar mass 1
- μ
- remaining gas fraction 1
- M_gas,M_total
- gas and conserved total mass kg
Conditions and scope
- 0<μ≤1; yield and metallicity are mass fractions with the same specified element or total-metal convention. The instantaneous-recycling and constant-yield approximations must be appropriate.
- Inflow, outflow, delayed recycling and incomplete mixing alter the result. Metallicity in astronomy denotes elements heavier than helium; it is not the everyday category of chemically metallic elements.
Sources · 1
References
Sources retain their recorded scope. A source link alone does not establish verification of every statement.
Evidence and review
Read the original-author closed-box/instantaneous-recycling paragraph and Z=p ln μ⁻¹ relation. Retained its assumptions and yield convention; excluded broad dated nitrogen-yield generalizations and observations.
2026-10-10 · Independent AI editorial review: All44 exact root-authored compact records, equations/variable units/conditions and140 origin edges accepted after independently reading final6/18 with bounded primary bodies and matching prior38/122 scientific fingerprints unchanged. Exact claim/edge review is distinct from combined inventory scope and separate CLE26 approval; no entire cited books or old-corpus experimental revalidation is asserted. Receipt: cosmos-completion-independent-content-and-inventory-review.1.
Entry details
Permanent link to this entry ↗- Record identity
- uni-cosmos-closed-box-chemical-evolution
- Revision
- core.1
- Structured reference record
- University core expansion