# README for Huscher et al. (2025) MESA Inlist Files
--------------------------------------------------------

This directory contains MESA (Modules for Experiments in Stellar Astrophysics) inlist files used to calculate the AGB stellar models presented in:

> Huscher, E. et al. (2025), AGB Mass-loss Rates and Metal Yields from Scaled Mixing-length and Mass-loss Parameters


## Contents
-------------

The following inlist files are provided:

| File              | Description |
|-------------------|-------------|
| inlist_common     | Common parameters shared across all evolutionary phases
| inlist_MS         | Main sequence evolution parameters
| inlist_RGB        | Red giant branch evolution parameters  
| inlist_CHeB       | Core helium burning evolution parameters
| inlist_EAGB       | Early asymptotic giant branch evolution parameters
| inlist_TPAGB      | Thermally pulsing AGB evolution parameters


## MESA Version
-----------------

All models were calculated using:
- MESA version: r24.08.1
- MESA SDK version: 23.7.3


## Key Model Parameters
-------------------------

### Mass Loss
- RGB phase: Reimers formula with η = 0.5
- AGB phase: Blöcker formula with mass and metallicity-dependent scaling:

  η_Blöcker = (M_initial / 12.0) × Z^0.3

  Scaling factor ranges from 0.021 to 0.425 depending on initial mass and metallicity

### Convective Mixing
- Mixing-length parameter: 

  alpha_MLT = 2.3 − [20 × (Z − 0.0001)] 

  Scaling factor ranges from 1.7 to 2.3 depending on initial metallicity

- Convective overshoot: Exponential overshoot scheme
  - He-burning shell: f_ov = 0.008, f_0 = 0.0008 (Herwig 2008)
  - Convective envelope: f_ov = 0.016, f_0 = 0.0016 (Herwig 2000)

### Third Dredge-Up Resolution
- Varcontrol target: 2×10^-5 (VCT parameter from Rees et al. 2024)
- Hot radiative instability prevention: Custom routine (Rees & Izzard 2024)

### Stellar Grid
- Mass range: 0.8 - 7.0 M☉
  - M = [0.8, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0]
- Metallicity range: Z = 0.0001 - 0.03
  - Z = [0.0001, 0.001, 0.002, 0.003, 0.004, 0.005, 0.01, 0.015, 0.02, 0.03]


## Important Notes
--------------------

- Models require significant computational resources (especially TP-AGB phase)
- Third dredge-up episodes may require very small timesteps
- Some high-mass models may experience numerical difficulties during late thermal pulses
- Custom mass loss and mixing routines are essential for reproducing published results


## Citation
-------------

If you use these inlist files, kindly cite:

> Huscher, E. et al. (2025), AGB Mass-loss Rates and Metal Yields with Scaled Mixing-length and Mass-loss Parameters

Additionally, please cite MESA:

> Paxton, B., et al. (2011), Modules for Experiments in Stellar Astrophysics (MESA), ApJS, 192, 3


## Contact
------------

For questions about these inlist files or implementation details, please contact:

Ezra Huscher  
New Mexico State University  
ez@nmsu.edu

