Weak-decay rates of pf-shell nuclei in stellar scenarios

4 pags., 2 figs. -- XX International School on Nuclear Physics, Neutron Physics and Applications (Varna2013) 16–22 September 2013, Varna, BulgariaWeak decay rates under various stellar density and temperature conditions are studied in selected pf-shell nuclei of special relevance as constituents in presupernova formations. The rates are relevant to understand late stages of stellar evolution leading to supernova explosions and the nucleosynthesis of heavier nuclei. The nuclear structure part of the problem is described within a quasiparticle random-phase approximation. Results are compared to benchmark shell-model calculations and experimental data extracted from charge-exchange reactions.This work was supported in part by MINECO (Spain) under Research Grant No. FIS2011–23565 and by Consolider-Ingenio 2010 Programs CPAN CSD2007-00042