Semi-detached Binary System Research Articles

Stellar Cycle and Evolution of Polar Spots in an M+WD Binary

Stellar activity cycles reveal continuous relaxation and induction of magnetic fields. The activity cycle is typically traced through the observation of cyclic variations in total brightness or Ca H&K emission flux of stars, as well as cyclic variations in the orbital periods of binary systems. In this work, we report the identification of a semidetached binary system (TIC 16320250) consisting of a white dwarf (0.67 M ⊙) and an active M dwarf (0.56 M ⊙). The long-term multiband optical light curves spanning twenty years revealed three repeated patterns, suggestive of a possible activity cycle of about 10 years of the M dwarf. Light-curve fitting indicates the repeated variation is caused by the evolution, particularly the motion, of polar spots. The significant Ca H&K, Hα, ultra-violet, and X-ray emissions imply that the M dwarf is one of the most magnetically active stars. We propose that in the era of large time-domain photometric sky surveys (e.g., ASAS-SN, Zwicky Transient Facility, LSST, Sitian), long-term light-curve modeling can be a valuable tool for tracing and revealing stellar activity cycle, especially for stars in binary systems.

Light Curve and Period Change Analysis of KIC3347485

High precision photometry with the space-based Kepler telescope offers an opportunity to analyze the physical processes occurring in stars in detail. In this study, we examined the light curve of the Kepler binary system KIC 3347485, which is a semi-detached binary system. We calculated minima and maxima times of four years of Kepler observation of this system using our newly developed Python code. We did period change analysis (O − C) of this system, and we discuss the existence of a possible third or even fourth component.

First photometric study of two eclipsing binary star systems: V523 And and V543 And

Detailed photometric analysis of V523 And and V543 And from the Wide Angle Search for Planets survey is presented for the first time. It was found that while V523 And is a detached binary, V543 And is a semi-detached binary star system. The adopted masses and radii for the primary and secondary components are M1=0.77±0.08 M⊙, R1=0.87±0.08 R⊙ and M2=0.50±0.12 M⊙, R2=0.77±0.17 R⊙ for V523 And; and M1=1.59±0.16 M⊙, R1=1.46±0.09 R⊙ and M2=0.58±0.17 M⊙, R2=1.66±0.22 R⊙ for V543 And. Orbital period variations of the systems were analyzed using the O-C method. The O-C change of V523 And is discussed in terms of the magnetic activity cycle of one or both components and light travel time effect (LTTE) due to a third body in the system. Among these mechanisms, LTTE seems to be the most appropriate mechanism to explain the O-C variation of the system since the quadrupole moments of the primary and secondary components (ΔQ) were found to be in the order of 1049 g cm2. The O-C diagram of V543 And shows a downward parabolic trend, which suggests a secular period decrease with a rate of 0.080±0.012 s/year. The parabolic O-C variation of V543 And was interpreted in terms of the non-conservative mass transfer mechanism. According to this scenario, the range of possible values of the mass gain rate (Ṁ1) of the primary component of V543 And as well as the mass-loss rate (Ṁ) of the system were found to be 10−5–10−11 M⊙/year and 10−6–10−8 M⊙/year, respectively.

A comment on the properties of the matter flow through the first Langrangian point

Abstract We analyse properties of the mass outflow from the Roche lobe filling component of a semi-detached binary system. We follow the approaches published by Paczyński & Sienkiewicz and by Lubow & Shu, which we compare with other simplified approaches. We find that the density of the flow at L1 is orders of magnitude lower than the density on the same equipotential but away from L1. Furthermore, the effective cross-section of the flow, after averaging over its profile of the momentum density, is much lower than some published estimates done without accounting for the averaging. Thus, the use of some simplified formulae for the density and the flow cross-section can lead to overestimates of the accretion rate and of the mass contained in the L1 regions by very large factors unless they are supported by simultaneous integrations of the equations of stellar structure for the outer layers of the donor.

Flaring and Spot Activities on the Semi-detached Binary System KIC 06852488

Abstract The continuous and unbroken time-series photometry data of Kepler and the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) provide a good opportunity to study the continuous variations in the light curve of binary stars. This paper reports the discoveries of the correlation between the two maxima on the light curve of KIC 06852488 and the correlation between the O’Connell effect and the O − C curve. The Max I and Max II vary with a same cycle length of ∼2000 days and a 180° phase difference, and the variation of the Max II coincides with the O − C curve of the primary light minima. After analyzing the Kepler and TESS light curves, it is detected that this binary is a semi-detached system with a mass ratio of 0.4622(±0.0036). The secondary component is filling its critical Roche lobe, while the primary component is only filling 12.25(±0.10)% of the lobe volume that contributes more than 85% luminosity of the total system. The variation of the O’Connell effect could be explained by an evolving hot spot on the primary component and an evolving cool spot on the secondary component. It is found that their positions are symmetrical with the inner Lagrange L1 point. After subtracting the binary brightness changes, six optical flares are detected that come from the cool secondary. We calculated the energy of flares and found that all of the flares are superflares. Both the flares and an evolving dark spot on the lobe-filling secondary component make the system a very interesting source to investigate the effects of binary interaction on the magnetic activities.

Extremely Low Mass-ratio Semi-detached Binaries: KIC 2719436 and KIC 4245897

We present two semi-detached binaries with extremely low mass-ratio (<0.1). The total eclipse feature on the light curves greatly improves the reliability of the binary light analysis results. Combining the photometric and spectral data, both the relative and the absolute parameters were obtained based on two methods. The masses and radii are M1 = 1.21 ± 0.45M⊙, M2 = 0.116 ± 0.044M⊙, R1 = 1.89 ± 0.25R⊙, and R2 = 0.76 ± 0.1R⊙ for KIC 2719436, and M1 = 1.58 ± 0.49M⊙, M2 = 0.153 ± 0.051M⊙, R1 = 1.9 ± 0.28R⊙, and R2 = 5.14 ± 0.79R⊙ for KIC 4245897. The binaries with extremely low mass-ratios provide a laboratory to study the binary outcomes as well as the extremely low-mass stars with complete physical properties. KIC 2719436 is an abnormal semi-detached binary system for its primary radius is much larger than that of the evolved secondary star who fills its own Roche Lobe. Excessive mass transfer leads to this situation on account of the effective angular momentum loss probably by the magnetic braking. KIC 2719436 is possible the closest target to the end as a single star that predicted by the TRO theory.

Photometric Solutions of Three Eclipsing Binary Stars Observed from Dome A, Antarctica

Abstract Based on spectroscopic observations for the eclipsing binaries CSTAR 036162 and CSTAR 055495 with the WiFeS/2.3 m telescope at SSO and CSTAR 057775 with the Mage/Magellan I at LCO in 2017, stellar parameters are derived. More than 100 nights of almost-continuous light curves reduced from the time-series photometric observations by CSTAR at Dome A of Antarctic in i in 2008 and in g and r in 2009, respectively, are applied to find photometric solutions for the three binaries with the Wilson–Devinney code. The results show that CSTAR 036162 is a detached configuration with the mass ratio q = 0.354 ± 0.0009, while CSTAR 055495 is a semi-detached binary system with the unusual q = 0.946 ± 0.0006, which indicates that CSTAR 055495 may be a rare binary system with mass ratio close to one and the secondary component filling its Roche Lobe. This implies that a mass-ratio reversal has just occurred and CSTAR 055495 is in a rapid mass-transfer stage. Finally, CSTAR 057775 is believed to be an A-type W UMa binary with q = 0.301 ± 0.0008 and a fill-out factor of f = 0.742(8).

A New Model of Roche Lobe Overflow for Short-period Gaseous Planets and Binary Stars

Abstract Some close-in gaseous exoplanets are nearly in Roche lobe contact, and previous studies show that tidal decay can drive hot Jupiters into contact during the main sequence of their host stars. Improving on a previous model, we present a revised model for mass transfer in a semidetached binary system that incorporates an extended atmosphere around the donor and allows for an arbitrary mass ratio. We apply this new formalism to hypothetical, confirmed, and candidate planetary systems to estimate mass-loss rates and compare with models of evaporative mass loss. Overflow may be significant for hot Neptunes out to periods of ∼2 days, while for hot Jupiters, it may only be important inward of 0.5 days. We find that CoRoT-24 b may be losing mass at a rate of more than an Earth mass in a gigayear. The hot Jupiter WASP-12 b may lose an Earth mass in a megayear, while the putative planet PTFO8-8695 orbiting a T Tauri star might shed its atmosphere in a few megayears. We point out that the orbital expansion that can accompany mass transfer may be less effective than previously considered because the gas accreted by the host star removes some of the angular momentum from the orbit, but simple scaling arguments suggest that the Roche lobe overflow might remain stable. Consequently, the recently discovered small planets in ultrashort periods (&lt;1 day) may not be the remnants of hot Jupiters/Neptunes. The new model presented here has been incorporated into Modules for Experiments in Stellar Astrophysics (MESA).

The first photometric study of semi-detached eclipsing binary V504 Cyg

In this paper, we analyze photometry of V504 Cyg semi-detached binary system. For this purpose, after taking the photometric data, primary and secondary minimum and new epoch were calculated. The period of system is found to be 0.3516916 day. Analysis of light curve was performed by PHOEBE software which uses last version of Wilson–Devinney code. 3D model of the system is worked out using Binary Maker software. The O’Connell effect in the light curve is observed and an accurate model of this system is presented by introducing four spots on the components.

Lunar-based Ultraviolet Telescope study of the well-known Algol-type binary TW Dra

By using the Lunar-based Ultraviolet Telescope (LUT) from 2014 December 2 to December 4, the first near-UV light curve of the well-known Algol-type binary TW Dra is reported, which is analyzed with the 2013 version of the W-D code. Our solutions confirmed that TW Dra is a semi-detached binary system where the secondary component fills its Roche lobe. The mass ratio and a high inclination are obtained (q = 0.47, i = 86.68°). Based on 589 available data spanning more than one century, the complex period changes are studied. Secular increase and three cyclical changes are found in the corresponding orbital period analysis. The secular increase changes reveal mass transfer from the secondary component to the primary one at a rate of 6.8 × 10−7 M⊙ yr−1. One large cyclical change of 116.04 yr may be caused by disturbance of visual component ADS 9706B orbiting TW Dra (ADS 9706A), while the other two cyclical changes with shorter periods of 22.47 and 37.27 yr can be explained as the result of two circumbinary companions that are orbiting around TW Dra, where the two companions are in simple 3 : 5 orbit-rotation resonances. TW Dra itself is a basic binary in a possible sextuple system with the configuration (1 + 1) + (1 + 1) + (1 + 1), which further suggests that multiplicity may be a fairly common phenomenon in close binary systems.

A calculator for Roche lobe properties

Abstract Background The Roche lobe geometry is important to understand and study the properties of the mass-losing component in a semi-detached binary system. However it is not easy to calculate accurately, and existing tables usually do not include the parameters of the binary system under study, nor do they allow for non-synchronous rotation. Results A calculator for properties of the Roche lobe is presented in two formats. An easy-to-use Java version has a graphic interface, and a Fortran 90 version has a command line interface. The Fortran version allows for easy modifications by the user. Both versions have two basic output options: one provides values of a set of various quantities (such as the Lagrange points along the binary axis, and area and volume of the Roche lobe); the second provides $R(\theta,\phi)$ R ( θ , ϕ ) , the distance from the stellar center to the stellar surface for any specified polar angle. A single set of input parameters can be entered directly or a large set of input parameters can be specified in a text file. The calculator includes the options to have non-synchronous rotation of the star, or to have the star underfill its Roche lobe. It can be used to calculate Roche lobe properties for the case of elliptical orbits, with some restrictions. Conclusions We present a convenient software tool for quickly and accurately calculating Roche lobe properties for mass ratio in the range 0.01 to 100, for Roche lobe fill-out factor in the range 0.1 to 1.0, and for dimensionless rotation rate of the star in the range 0.1 to 2.0. This will allow anyone working with a binary star system to obtain the Roche lobe or stellar surface geometry for their system.

Observational signatures of SNIa progenitors, as predicted by models

A definitive determination of the progenitors of type Ia supernovae (SNIa) has been a conundrum for decades. The single degenerate scenario $-$ a white dwarf (WD) in a semi-detached binary system accreting mass from its secondary $-$ is a plausible path; however, no simulation to date has shown that such an outcome is possible. In this study, we allowed a WD with a near Chandrasekhar mass of $1.4M_\odot$ to evolve over tens of thousands of nova cycles, accumulating mass secularly while undergoing periodic nova eruptions. We present the mass accretion limits within which a SNIa can possibly occur. The results showed, for each parameter combination within the permitted limits, tens of thousands of virtually identical nova cycles where the accreted mass exceeded the ejected mass, i.e. the WD grew slowly but steadily in mass. Finally, the WD became unstable, the maximal temperature rose by nearly two orders of magnitude, heavy element production was enhanced by orders of magnitude and the nuclear and neutrino luminosities became enormous. We also found that this mechanism leading to WD collapse is robust, with WDs in the range $1.0 - 1.38M_\odot$, and an accretion rate of $5*10^{-7}M_\odot/yr$, all growing steadily in mass. These simulations of the onset of a SNIa event make observationally testable predictions about the light curves of pre-SN stars, and about the chemistry of SNIa ejecta.

The new photometric solution and light curve study of the semi-detached binary system ASAS ID 211049-3657.9

This work is targeted on the photometric (light curve) analysis of the stars with G2 spectral type. The sun like star (ASAS ID 211049-3657.9) located in the ASAS catalogue was subjected to its photometric solutions and the light curve analysis in V band. The light curve of ASAS ID 211049-3657.9 binary system which belongs to the Southern Hemisphere shows the variation of β Lyr type. The solution of light curve was carried out using the PHOBE code. The photometric solution reveals a semi-detached configuration with a less-massive component filling its own Roche lobe. The absolute parameters, very close to the astrophysical fundamental values of the sun, are obtained as a result of the solution. A spotted solution for ASAS ID 211049-3657.9 binary system with the Sun-like selected from the solar analogue star list of Tanrıver (2012, 2013) is conducted. The masses of the primary and secondary components for ASAS ID 211049-3657.9 are M1=1.00741M⊙ and M2=0.37535M⊙, respectively. While the radius for the primary was R1=1.00097R⊙, and for the secondary R2=1.19107R⊙ and the temperature of the primary and secondary are T1=5850K and T2=5150K, respectively. The positions in the HR diagram of the components are also discussed.

On properties of mass transfer in an Algol-type binary system: an example of VV Vir

Some properties of mass transfer within a semi-detached binary system are discussed based on an example of VV Vir. The observations and analysis of VV Vir show that it is a semi-detached binary system with the less massive cooler component filling its Roche lobe, which is also called an Algol-type binary system. Based on the parameters of this semi-detached binary, a theoretical study on the mass flow is carried out, including the trajectory of the mass flow, the position, radius and temperature of the impact spot caused by the mass flow, the inconsistent form of the mass flow and the possibly huge rate of energy transfer carried by the mass flow. Humps and distortions in light curves of VV Vir are deemed to be weak evidence for the theoretical results.

The First Comprehensive Photometric Study of the Neglected Binary System V345 Cassiopeiae

We present the first BVRI CCD photometric observations of V345 Cas made on 22 nights during the observing seasons in 2007-2008. Our light curves, resembling those of EB-type binary stars, are analyzed with the 2003 version of the WilsonDevinney binary code. The photometric study shows that V345 Cas is a typical semi-detached binary system with the primary star being about ΔT = 2400 K hotter, two times more massive, but only 17% larger than the secondary star being filled with it's Roche-lobe. The orbit has a relatively large inclination of about 88°. A cool spot on the secondary component is modeled to explain a small light curve asymmetry. Absolute dimensions and related radiometric parameters of the eclipsing pair are calculated and their evolutionary states are discussed with the HR diagrams of mass-radius and temperature-luminosity. A period analysis of all available times of minima, including our measurements, indicates that the orbital period may vary in a cyclical way, unfortunately the secondary period for the variation can not be uniquely determined because of lack of present timing data.

Modelling the asymmetric wind of the luminous blue variable binary MWC 314

We present a spectroscopic analysis of MWC 314, a luminous blue variable (LBV) candidate with an extended bipolar nebula. The detailed spectroscopic variability is investigated to determine if MWC 314 is a massive binary system with a supersonically accelerating wind or a low-mass B[e] star. We compare the spectrum and spectral energy distribution to other LBVs (such as P Cyg) and find very similar physical wind properties, indicating strong kinship. We combined long-term high-resolution optical spectroscopic monitoring and V-band photometric observations to determine the orbital elements and stellar parameters and to investigate the spectral variability with the orbital phases. We developed an advanced model of the large-scale wind-velocity and wind-density structure with 3-D radiative transfer calculations that fit the orbitally modulated P Cyg profile of He I lam5876, showing outflow velocities above 1000 km/s. We find that MWC 314 is a massive semi-detached binary system of ~1.22 AU, observed at an inclination angle of i=72.8 deg. with an orbital period of 60.8 d and e=0.23. The primary star is a low-vsini LBV candidate of m1=39.6 Msun and R1=86.8 Rsun. The detailed radiative transfer fits show that the geometry of wind density is asymmetric around the primary star with increased wind density by a factor of 3.3, which leads the orbit of the primary. The variable orientation causes the orbital modulation that is observed in absorption portions of P Cyg wind lines. Wind accretion in the system produces a circumbinary disc. MWC 314 is in a crucial evolutionary phase of close binary systems, when the massive primary star has its H envelope being stripped and is losing mass to a circumbinary disc. MWC 314 is a key system for studying the evolutionary consequences of these effects.

V753 MON: A UNIQUE CLOSE BINARY JUST AFTER THE EVOLUTIONARY STAGE WITH THE SHORTEST PERIOD DURING MASS TRANSFER

We discovered that the O-C curve of V753 Mon shows an upward parabolic change while undergoing a cyclic variation with a period of 13.5 yr. The upward parabolic change reveals a long-term period increase at a rate of (P) over dot = +7.8 x 10(-8) days yr(-1). Photometric solutions determined using the Wilson-Devinney method confirm that V753 Mon is a semi-detached binary system where the slightly less massive, hotter component star is transferring mass to the more massive one. This is in agreement with the long-term increase of the orbital period. The increase of the orbital period, the mass ratio very close to unity, and the semi-detached configuration with a less massive lobe-filling component all suggest that V753 Mon is on a key evolutionary stage just after the evolutionary stage with the shortest period during mass transfer. The results in this paper will shed light on the formation of massive contact binaries and the evolution of binary stars. The cyclic oscillation in the O-C diagram indicates that V753 Mon may be a triple system containing an extremely cool stellar companion that may play an important role for the formation and evolution in the binary system.

A PHOTOMETRIC STUDY OF THE ALGOL-TYPE BINARY FG Gem

High-quality three-color light curves of the binary FG Gem were measured and analyzed. A new method based on extensive searching of isochrones was used to investigate possible parameters for the binary. FG Gem is found to be an Algol-type semi-detached binary system with a primary star temperature of 8200 K and a mass ratio of 0.41(1). The correctness and reliability of our result requires the verification of precision spectroscopy or standard star observations. We investigate a new possible cause for the orbital period variations based on times of minimum light data. It is suggested from the quantitative analysis that variations in the orbital period can be explained by intermittent mass transfer and angular momentum loss from stellar winds leaving the system on rotating magnetic fields.

THE PROPOSED QUADRUPLE SYSTEM SZ HERCULIS: REVISED LITE MODEL AND ORBITAL STABILITY STUDY

In a recent study, Lee et al. presented new photometric follow-up timing observations of the semi-detached binary system SZ Herculis and proposed the existence of two hierarchical cirumbinary companions. Based on the light-travel time effect, the two low-mass M-dwarf companions are found to orbit the binary pair on moderate to high eccentric orbits. The derived periods of these two companions are close to a 2:1 mean-motion orbital resonance. We have studied the stability of the system using the osculating orbital elements as presented by Lee et al. Results indicate an orbit-crossing architecture exhibiting short-term dynamical instabilities leading to the escape of one of the proposed companions. We have examined the system's underlying model parameter-space by following a Monte Carlo approach and found an improved fit to the timing data. A study of the stability of our best-fitting orbits also indicates that the proposed system is generally unstable. If the observed anomalous timing variations of the binary period is due to additional circumbinary companions, then the resulting system should exhibit a long-term stable orbital configuration much different from the orbits suggested by Lee et al. We, therefore, suggest that based on Newtonian-dynamical considerations, the proposed quadruple system cannot exist. To uncover the true nature of the observed period variations of this system, we recommend future photometric follow-up observations that could further constrain eclipse-timing variations and/or refine light-travel time models.

THE PALOMAR TRANSIENT FACTORY ORION PROJECT: ECLIPSING BINARIES AND YOUNG STELLAR OBJECTS

The Palomar Transient Factory (PTF) Orion project is one of the experiments within the broader PTF survey, a systematic automated exploration of the sky for optical transients. Taking advantage of the wide (35 × 23) field of view available using the PTF camera installed at the Palomar 48 inch telescope, 40 nights were dedicated in 2009 December to 2010 January to perform continuous high-cadence differential photometry on a single field containing the young (7–10 Myr) 25 Ori association. Little is known empirically about the formation of planets at these young ages, and the primary motivation for the project is to search for planets around young stars in this region. The unique data set also provides for much ancillary science. In this first paper, we describe the survey and the data reduction pipeline, and present some initial results from an inspection of the most clearly varying stars relating to two of the ancillary science objectives: detection of eclipsing binaries and young stellar objects. We find 82 new eclipsing binary systems, 9 of which are good candidate 25 Ori or Orion OB1a association members. Of these, two are potential young W UMa type systems. We report on the possible low-mass (M-dwarf primary) eclipsing systems in the sample, which include six of the candidate young systems. Forty-five of the binary systems are close (mainly contact) systems, and one of these shows an orbital period among the shortest known for W UMa binaries, at 0.2156509 ± 0.0000071 days, with flat-bottomed primary eclipses, and a derived distance that appears consistent with membership in the general Orion association. One of the candidate young systems presents an unusual light curve, perhaps representing a semi-detached binary system with an inflated low-mass primary or a star with a warped disk, and may represent an additional young Orion member. Finally, we identify 14 probable new classical T-Tauri stars in our data, along with one previously known (CVSO 35) and one previously reported as a candidate weak-line T-Tauri star (SDSS J052700.12+010136.8).