Asymptotic giant branch stars: from understanding to predictions

Abstract
Two examples of stellar predictions from models of asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars are presented to illustrate the difficulties associated with astronuclear studies. The first example is the dredge-up process by which nuclei synthesized in the stellar interior are brought to the surface; the second is the production of primary sodium. Those examples illustrate the need for a good understanding of the details of model calculations from both a physical and a numerical stand point. They highlight as well some of the current limitations of AGB model predictions.