Recent results in understanding the r-process: Dynamical r-process calculations

Detailed calculations have been performed to understand more about the nuclear aspects of the r-process and to identify the astrophysical site or sites that produce the r-process nuclei. Some of the nuclear aspects to be considered in these dynamical r-process calculations include neutron-capture cross sections, beta-decay rates, beta-delayed neutron emission, and fission. These calculations can make predictions for nuclear chronometers and the age of the Galaxy. Results of several theoretical r-process calculations, made under very different initial conditions, are also compared to spectroscopic observations of heavy elements in very old stars. This comparison may provide a means of determining the types and extent of nuclear (both r- and s-) processing that occurred early in the history of the Galaxy