The appearance, number, and history of highly compact binary systems in globular clusters

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (57) References (71) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS The appearance, number, and history of highly compact binary systems in globular clusters Krolik, J. H. Abstract The author analyzes the various evolutionary paths possible for highly compact binaries in globular clusters, where they come under the simultaneous influence of gravitational radiation and gravitational encounters with field stars. The observational appearance of those stages in which mass transfer occurs is discussed, with particular attention given to a new class of objects characterized by massive, nonequilibrium accretion disks created by catastrophic gravitational encounters. The author then constructs an analytic model to predict the number of highly compact binaries in each stage of evolution existing at present in the Galaxy's globular cluster system. Both steady transfer binaries, and systems in which a collapsed stellar remnant acquires a massive, nonequilibrium accretion disk, are shown to be present in significant numbers. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: July 1984 DOI: 10.1086/162223 Bibcode: 1984ApJ...282..452K Keywords: Binary Stars; Globular Clusters; Gravitational Collapse; Stellar Evolution; Stellar Mass Accretion; Dwarf Novae; Neutron Stars; Star Distribution; X Ray Sources; Astrophysics full text sources ADS |