Theoretical seismic properties of pre-main sequence γ Doradus pulsators

Context. The late A and F-type γ Doradus (γ Dor) stars pulsate with high-order gravity modes (g-modes). The existence of different evolutionary phases crossing the γ Dor instability strip raises the question whether pre-main sequence (PMS) γ Dor stars exist. Aims. We intend to study the differences between the asteroseismic behaviour of PMS and main sequence (MS) γ Dor pulsators as predicted by the current theory of stellar evolution and stability. Methods. We explore the adiabatic and non-adiabatic properties of high-order g-modes in a grid of PMS and MS models covering the mass range 1.2 M⊙< M⊙< < 2.5 M⊙<. Results. We have derived the theoretical instability strip (IS) for the PMS γ Dor pulsators. This IS covers the same effective temperature range as the MS γ Dor one. Nevertheless, the frequency domain of unstable modes in PMS models with a fully radiative core is greater than in MS models, even if they present the same number of unstable modes. Moreover, the differences between MS and PMS internal structures are reflected in the average values of the period spacing, as well as in the dependence of the period spacing on the radial order of the modes, opening the window to determination of the evolutionary phase of γ Dor stars from their pulsation spectra. © 2011 ESO.