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The exact conditions for the supernova high-entropy wind (HEW) as one of the favored sites for the rapid neutron-capture (r-) process still cannot be reproduced selfconsistently in present hydrodynamic simulations. Therefore, we have performed large-scale network calculations within a parameterized HEW model to constrain the necessary conditions for a full r-process, and to compare our results with recent astronomical observations. A superposition of entropy trajectories with model-inherent weightings results in an excellent reproduction of the overall solar-system isotopic abundances ( N r ,⊙ ) of the “main” r-process elements beyond Sn. For the lighter r-elements, our model supports earlier qualitative ideas about a multiplicity of nucleosynthesis processes in the Fe-group region. In the high-entropy-wind scenario, these suggestions are quantified, and the origin of the “missing” abundances to N r ,⊙ is determined to be a rapid primary charged-particle (α-) process, thus excluding a classical “weak” neutron-capture component. This explains the recent halo-star observations of a non-correlation of Cu–Ge and Sr–Zr with metallicity [Fe/H] and r-process enrichment [Eu/H]. Moreover, for the first time a partial correlation with the “main” r-process is identified for Ru and Pd.

The relative abundances of the radionuclides 129 I and 182 Hf in the Early Solar System (ESS) in conjunction with observations on extremely metal-poor stars have been interpreted as evidence for two distinct types (L and H events) of the r-process. In particular, it has been postulated that iodine is produced exclusively during L events, while barium and elements above are produced by H events only. In this context we explore predictions from the high entropy wind (HEW) model for the r-process. Within this scenario, the full expected entropy range produces abundances which are inconsistent with these postulates. Only by excluding the entropy range below a precisely defined value can Ba and elements above be produced without significant contributions to iodine. Achieving the required clear “cut” at always the exactly same entropy value would be remarkable; the cut may have been a characteristic of the last r-process contribution, however. Alternative explanations for a relative overabundance of 182 Hf and/or a deficit of 129 I in the Early Solar System include a late neutron burst contribution to 182 Hf and a 129 I deficit due to the volatile nature of the element iodine.