More details on thermal pulses and the third dredge-up process in intermediate-mass stars

A review of work in progress of a comprehensive study of intermediate-mass stellar models undergoing the thermal pulse phase is presented. Data from other investigations is combined with this study to show how the maximum strength of the thermal pulse, the maximum temperature reached at the base of the convective shell, the degree of overlap in mass between successive convective shells, and the maximum mass contained in the convective shell varies with the core mass. Finally, a brief discussion concerning the occurrence of the third dredge-up phase is presented. (Auth.)