Apsidal motion and evolution of cataclysmic variables.
Abstract
Interpreted as apsidal motion, the cyclical orbital period changes of UX UMa and RW Tri indicate highly centrally condensed structures for the secondaries of these systems, suggesting that they are in Case B mass transfer. The consequences are explored of loss of angular momentum (via the accretion disc) from cataclysmic variables, both with and without mass loss from the white dwarfs. Illustrations are given of the resulting mass-radius relationship for the secondaries, and of the change in orbital period during evolution. The observed absence of high-luminosity secondaries (which occur in conservative evolution) is thereby explained.
- Publication:
-
Acta Astronomica
- Pub Date:
- 1978
- Bibcode:
- 1978AcA....28..303W
- Keywords:
-
- Eclipsing Binary Stars;
- Stellar Evolution;
- Stellar Models;
- Stellar Motions;
- Variable Stars;
- Angular Momentum;
- Apsides;
- Orbital Mechanics;
- Stellar Luminosity;
- Stellar Mass Ejection;
- White Dwarf Stars;
- Astrophysics;
- Cataclysmic Variables:Apsidal Motion;
- Cataclysmic Variables:Evolution;
- Cataclysmic Variables:Mass Transfer;
- Cataclysmic Variables:Period Changes