Precataclysmic binaries.
Abstract
A compilation of the orbital parameters of 22 precataclysmic binaries (PCBs) together with a discussion of the observational data is given. With this material the collective properties of PCBs are investigated. It is found that (1) only about half of the observed PCBs will evolve to cataclysmic binaries (CBs) in less than ≡1010yr; (2) due to evolutionary selection, detached systems which have a long orbital decay time are preferentially observed; (3) the distribution of the orbital periods of the systems when they become semi-detached, i.e. of zero age CBs, is rather broad and a fraction of CBs may be formed in the period gap; (4) the mean mass of the degenerate component is ≡0.6 M_sun;; (5) common-envelope evolution also allows the formation of PCBs and CBs containing a low-mass white dwarf, and (6) zero age CBs will, in most cases, be (thermally) stable against mass transfer.
- Publication:
-
Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Pub Date:
- November 1986
- Bibcode:
- 1986A&A...169..139R
- Keywords:
-
- Binary Stars;
- Cataclysmic Variables;
- Stellar Evolution;
- Mass Distribution;
- Planetary Nebulae;
- Stellar Envelopes;
- Stellar Luminosity;
- White Dwarf Stars;
- Astrophysics