Evolution of low-mass close binary systems

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (6) References (49) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS Evolution of Low-Mass Close Binary Systems McDermott, P. N. ; Taam, Ronald E. ; Ringwald, F. A. Abstract The structure and evolution of low-mass stars in short-period binary systems is investigated with specific attention focused on the effects of He-3 disequilibrium burning. It is found that the He-3 abundance in the central regions of the secondary component can appreciably depart from the equilibrium value, especially during the phase of evolution when the secondary is nearly fully convective. For angular momentum losses associated with gravitational radiation and weak magnetic braking, it is found that convection develops in the central regions of the secondary independent of the convective envelope. During the outward advance of the convective core boundary, the radius of the secondary actually increases briefly as the central He-3 abundance increases due to convective mixing. Upon the merger of the two convective regions the He-3 energy-burning regions and the secondary detaches from its Roche lobe. The duration of the detached phase decreases with the age and mass of the secondary component prior to the onset of mass transfer. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: May 1988 DOI: 10.1086/166320 Bibcode: 1988ApJ...328..617M Keywords: Binary Stars; Cataclysmic Variables; Roche Limit; Stellar Evolution; Stellar Interiors; Stellar Mass; Angular Momentum; Computational Astrophysics; Lagrangian Equilibrium Points; Mass Transfer; Neutron Stars; Astrophysics; STARS: BINARIES; STARS: EVOLUTION; STARS: INTERIORS full text sources ADS |