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Close Binaries (close + binary)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Physics and Astronomy100%

Selected Abstracts

On the orbital period modulation of RS CVn binary systems

MONTHLY NOTICES OF THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY, Issue 1 2005
Antonino F. Lanza
ABSTRACT The Applegate hypothesis proposed to explain the orbital period modulation of RS Canum Venaticorum (RS CVn) close binaries (Applegate 1992) is considered in the framework of a general model to treat the angular momentum exchanges within the convective envelope of a magnetically active star. This model assumes that the convection zone is strictly adiabatic and that the Taylor,Proudman balance holds, leading to an internal angular velocity constant over cylindrical surfaces co-axial with the rotation axis. It turns out that the angular velocity perturbations, whatever their origin, can be expressed in terms of the eigenfunctions of the equation of angular momentum conservation with stress-free boundary conditions. Moreover, a lower limit for the energy dissipation rate in a turbulent convection zone can be set, thanks to the extremal properties of the eigenfunctions. This approach allows to apply precise constraints on the amplitude and the radial profile of the angular velocity variations that are required to explain the observed orbital period changes in classical RS CVn binaries (i.e. with orbital period longer than 1,2 d and a subgiant secondary component). It is found that an angular velocity change as large as 10 per cent of the unperturbed angular velocity at the base of the stellar convection zone is needed. Such a large change is not compatible with the observations. Moreover, it would produce an energy dissipation rate much larger than the typical luminosities of the active components of RS CVn systems, except in the case that fast rotation and internal magnetic fields reduce the turbulent viscosity by at least 2 orders of magnitude with respect to the value given by the mixing-length theory. Therefore, the model proposed by Applegate should be rejected, at least in the case of classical RS CVn close binaries. Possible alternative models are briefly discussed, emphasizing the effects of intense magnetic fields (, 10 T) on the internal structure of magnetically active stars and the dynamics of close binary systems. [source]

Star cluster ecology , V. Dissection of an open star cluster: spectroscopy

MONTHLY NOTICES OF THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY, Issue 2 2004
Simon F. Portegies Zwart
ABSTRACT We have modelled in detail the evolution of rich open star clusters such as NGC 2516, NGC 2287, Pleiades, Praesepe, Hyades, NGC 2660 and 3680, using simulations that include stellar dynamics as well as the effects of stellar evolution. The dynamics is modelled via direct N -body integration, while the evolution of single stars and binaries is followed through the use of fitting formulae and recipes. The feedback of stellar and binary evolution on the dynamical evolution of the stellar system is taken into account self-consistently. Our model clusters dissolve in the tidal field of the Galaxy in a time-span of the order of a billion years. The rate of mass loss is rather constant, ,1 M, per million years. The binary fraction at first is nearly constant in time, then increases slowly near the end of a cluster's lifetime. For clusters which are more than about 108 yr old the fractions of stars in the form of binaries, giants and merger products in the inner few core radii are considerably higher than in the outer regions, beyond the cluster's half-mass radius. When stars with masses ,2 M, escape from the cluster, they tend to do so with velocities higher than average. The stellar merger rate in our models is roughly one per 30 million years. Most mergers are the result of unstable mass transfer in close binaries (,70 per cent), but a significant minority are caused by direct encounters between single and binary stars. While most mergers occur within the cluster core, even beyond the half-mass radius stellar mergers occasionally take place. We notice a significant birth rate of X-ray binaries, most containing a white dwarf as the mass acceptor. We also find one high-mass X-ray binary with a neutron-star accretor. If formed and retained, black holes participate in many (higher-order) encounters in the cluster centre, resulting in a large variety of exotic binaries. The persistent triple and higher-order systems formed in our models by dynamical encounters between binaries and single stars are not representative for the multiple systems observed in the Galactic disc. We conclude that the majority of multiples in the disc probably formed when the stars were born, rather than through later dynamical interactions. [source]

Effects of local thermodynamics and of stellar mass ratio on accretion disc stability in close binaries

ASTRONOMISCHE NACHRICHTEN, Issue 8 2009
G. Lanzafame
Abstract Inflow kinematics at the inner Lagrangian point L1, gas compressibility, and physical turbulent viscosity play a fundamental role on accretion disc dynamics and structure in a close binary (CB). Physical viscosity supports the accretion disc development inside the primary gravitational potential well, developing the gas radial transport, converting mechanical energy into heat. The Stellar-Mass-Ratio (SMR) between the compact primary and the secondary star (M1/M2) is also effective, not only in the location of the inner Lagrangian point, but also in the angular kinematics of the mass transfer and in the geometry ofthe gravitational potential wells. In this work we pay attention in particular to the role ofthe SMR, evaluating boundaries, separating theoretical domains in compressibility-viscosity graphs where physical conditions allow a well-bound disc development, as a function ofmass transfer kinematic conditions. In such domains, the lower is the gas compressibility (the higher the polytropic index ,), the higher is the physical viscosity (,) requested. In this work, we show how the boundaries of such domains vary as a function of M1/M2. Conclusions as far as dwarf novae outbursts are concerned, induced by mass transfer rate variations, are also reported. The smaller M1/M2, the shorter the duration of the active-to-quiet and vice-versa transitional phases. Time-scales are of the order of outburst duration of SU Uma, OY Car, Z Cha and SS Cyg-like objects. Moreover, conclusions as far as active-quiet-active phenomena in a CB, according to viscous-thermal instabilities, in accordance to such domains, are also reported (© 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source]

New classification and basic stellar parameters of SU Equulei

ASTRONOMISCHE NACHRICHTEN, Issue 7 2009
O. Behre
Abstract The variable star SU Equulei was classified as a close binary with an eclipse light curve previously categorized as WUMa type. The aim of this paper is a review of this old classification on the basis of new observations and a new determination of variable star ephemeris as well as the determination of SU Equ spectral type and distance. New photometric observations in different colours allow a precise determination of the period of variability and yield more accurate light curves allowing a re-classification of the type of variability. We find the best period of variability to be half the old value. The shape of the light curve is inconsistent with an eclipse curve but consistent with an RR Lyrae type c classification. From the B, V, and R colours we deduce a new spectral classification. SU Equulei is an RRc Lyrae type variable of spectral class A8 at a distance of ,12.4 kpc instead of a late-type eclipsing binary (© 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source]