scholarly journals Phases of Mass Transfer from Hot Subdwarfs to White Dwarf Companions and Their Photometric Properties

2021 ◽  
Vol 922 (2) ◽  
pp. 245
Author(s):  
Evan B. Bauer ◽  
Thomas Kupfer
Keyword(s):  
Mass Transfer ◽  
White Dwarf ◽  
Binary Systems ◽  
Galactic Plane ◽  
Large Fraction ◽  
Transfer Phase ◽  
Star Models ◽  
Nuclear Burning ◽  
Hot Subdwarfs ◽  
Orbital Periods

Abstract Binary systems of a hot subdwarf B (sdB) star + a white dwarf (WD) with orbital periods less than 2–3 hr can come into contact due to gravitational waves and transfer mass from the sdB star to the WD before the sdB star ceases nuclear burning and contracts to become a WD. Motivated by the growing class of observed systems in this category, we study the phases of mass transfer in these systems. We find that because the residual outer hydrogen envelope accounts for a large fraction of an sdB star’s radius, sdB stars can spend a significant amount of time (∼tens of megayears) transferring this small amount of material at low rates (∼10−10–10−9 M ⊙ yr−1) before transitioning to a phase where the bulk of their He transfers at much faster rates ( ≳10−8 M ⊙ yr−1). These systems therefore spend a surprising amount of time with Roche-filling sdB donors at orbital periods longer than the range associated with He star models without an envelope. We predict that the envelope transfer phase should be detectable by searching for ellipsoidal modulation of Roche-filling objects with P orb = 30–100 minutes and T eff = 20,000–30,000 K, and that many (≥10) such systems may be found in the Galactic plane after accounting for reddening. We also argue that many of these systems may go through a phase of He transfer that matches the signatures of AM CVn systems, and that some AM CVn systems associated with young stellar populations likely descend from this channel.

scholarly journals Influence of the initial orbital period and accretion efficiency on the low-mass binary evolution

2021 ◽  
pp. 25-30
Author(s):  
J. Petrovic
Keyword(s):  
Mass Transfer ◽  
Orbital Period ◽  
White Dwarf ◽  
Binary Systems ◽  
Evolutionary Models ◽  
Stable Case ◽  
Long Period ◽  
Low Mass ◽  
Orbital Periods ◽  
Binary Evolution

This paper presents detailed evolutionary models of low-mass binary systems (1.25 + 1 M?) with initial orbital periods of 10, 50 and 100 days and accretion efficiency of 10%, 20%, 50%, and a conservative assumption. All models are calculated with the MESA (Modules for Experiments in Stellar Astrophysics) evolutionary code. We show that such binary systems can evolve via a stable Case B mass transfer into long period helium white dwarf systems.

scholarly journals The coolest extremely low-mass white dwarfs

2018 ◽  
Vol 614 ◽  
pp. A49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leila M. Calcaferro ◽  
Leandro G. Althaus ◽  
Alejandro H. Córsico
Keyword(s):  
Mass Transfer ◽  
Mass Loss ◽  
White Dwarf ◽  
Binary Systems ◽  
Mass Range ◽  
Surface Gravity ◽  
Slight Reduction ◽  
Mechanisms Of Formation ◽  
Nuclear Burning ◽  
Low Mass

Context. Extremely low-mass white dwarf (ELM WD; M⋆ ≲ 0.18–0.20 M⊙) stars are thought to be formed in binary systems via stable or unstable mass transfer. Although stable mass transfer predicts the formation of ELM WDs with thick hydrogen (H) envelopes that are characterized by dominant residual nuclear burning along the cooling branch, the formation of ELM WDs with thinner H envelopes from unstable mass loss cannot be discarded. Aims. We compute new evolutionary sequences for helium (He) core WD stars with thin H envelopes with the main aim of assessing the lowest Teff that could be reached by this type of stars. Methods. We generate a new grid of evolutionary sequences of He-core WD stars with thin H envelopes in the mass range from 0.1554 to 0.2025 M⊙, and assess the changes in both the cooling times and surface gravity induced by a reduction of the H envelope. We also determine, taking into account the predictions of progenitor evolution, the lowest Teff reached by the resulting ELM WDs. Results. We find that a slight reduction in the H envelope yields a significant increase in the cooling rate of ELM WDs. Because of this, ELM WDs with thin H envelopes could cool down to ~2500 K, in contrast to their canonical counterparts that cool down to ~7000 K. In addition, we find that a reduction of the thickness of the H envelope markedly increases the surface gravity (g) of these stars. Conclusions. If ELM WDs are formed with thin H envelopes, they could be detected at very low Teff. The detection of such cool ELM WDs would be indicative that they were formed with thin H envelopes, thus opening the possibility of placing constraints on the possible mechanisms of formation of this type of star. Last but not least, the increase in g due to the reduction of the H envelope leads to consequences in the spectroscopic determinations of these stars.

scholarly journals Optical Low States of the Supersoft X-Ray Source RXJ0513.9–6951

1997 ◽  
Vol 163 ◽  
pp. 787-787
Author(s):  
K. Reinsch ◽  
A. van Teeseling ◽  
K. Beuermann ◽  
T.M.C. Abbott
Keyword(s):  
Mass Transfer ◽  
White Dwarf ◽  
Mass Transfer Rate ◽  
Central Star ◽  
High Mass ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Total Luminosity ◽  
Nuclear Burning ◽  
Sudden Decrease ◽  
Optical Flux

The transient luminous soft X-ray source RXJ0513.9–6951 (Schaeidt et al., 1993, A&A 270, L9) is a high-mass-transfer binary system (Cowley et al., 1993, ApJ 418, L63; Pakull et al., 1993, A&A 278, L39) with a probable orbital period of 0.76 days (Crampton et al., 1996, ApJ 456, 320). Here, we summarize the results of a quasi-simultaneous optical and X-ray monitoring (see Fig. 1). The sudden decrease of the optical flux, the accompanying reddening, and the turn-on in the soft X-ray band can be quantitatively described by variations in the irradiation of the accretion disk by the hot central star (Reinsch et al., 1996, A&A 309, L11). In this simple model, we consider a white dwarf with nuclear burning of accreted matter (van den Heuvel et al., 1992, A&A 262, 97), surrounded by a flat standard disk. In the optical high state, accretion at near-Eddington rate occurs and the white dwarf photospheric radius must be considerably expanded causing an enhanced illumination of the disk and the secondary. In the optical low state, the photosphere shrinks in response to a temporarily slightly reduced mass-transfer rate. At the same time, the effective temperature increases, and the soft X-ray flux becomes detectable with ROSAT. This model does not depend on the particular cause for the drop in the accretion rate and can describe the optical/ X-ray variability with the total luminosity changing by less than 20 %.

scholarly journals Identifying the formation mechanism of redback pulsars

2020 ◽  
Vol 493 (2) ◽  
pp. 2171-2177 ◽  
Author(s):  
M A De Vito ◽  
O G Benvenuto ◽  
J E Horvath
Keyword(s):  
Mass Transfer ◽  
Neutron Star ◽  
Formation Mechanism ◽  
Binary Systems ◽  
Close Binary ◽  
Formation Mechanisms ◽  
Orbital Periods ◽  
The Moment ◽  
Strong Evaporation ◽  
Theoretical Results

ABSTRACT We analyse the evolution of close binary systems containing a neutron star that lead to the formation of redback pulsars. Recently, there has been some debate on the origin of such systems and the formation mechanism of redbacks may still be considered as an open problem. We show that the operation of a strong evaporation mechanism, starting from the moment when the donor star becomes fully convective (or alternatively since the formation of the neutron star by accretion-induced collapse), produces systems with donor masses and orbital periods in the range corresponding to redbacks with donors appreciably smaller than their Roche lobes, i.e. they have low filling factors (lower than 0.75). Models of redback pulsars can be constructed assuming the occurrence of irradiation feedback. They have been shown to undergo cyclic mass transfer during the epoch at which they attain donor masses and orbital periods corresponding to redbacks, and stay in quasi-Roche lobe overflow conditions with high filling factors. We show that, if irradiation feedback occurs and radio ejection inhibits further accretion on to the neutron star after the first mass transfer cycle, the redback systems feature high filling factors. We suggest that the filling factor should be considered as a useful tool for discriminating among those redback formation mechanisms. We compare theoretical results with available observations and conclude that observations tend to favour models with high filling factors.

scholarly journals Theoretical and Observational Tests for the Mass Transfer Scenario of Ba II stars

1989 ◽  
Vol 106 ◽  
pp. 223-223
Author(s):  
H.M.J. Boffin
Keyword(s):  
Mass Transfer ◽  
White Dwarf ◽  
Mass Function ◽  
Spectroscopic Binaries ◽  
Red Giants ◽  
Orbital Periods ◽  
Red Giant ◽  
Necessary And Sufficient ◽  
Process Elements ◽  
Spectral Survey

Ba II stars are red giants showing an enhancement of carbon and s-process elements. The elucidation of their nature seems to require a mass transfer, either by wind or Roche lobe overflow, during their past evolution. Were it really the case, all Ba II stars would be binaries with a white dwarf as companion. To better understand the exact role of their binarity, more orbits are definitely needed. They can be obtained by monitoring the radial velocity variations of those stars. However, a quicker way to find new Ba II stars with orbital elements would be to search for their existence among known spectroscopic binaries. This would also crucially test whether mass transfer is a necessary and sufficient condition to explain Ba II stars. If it is indeed the case, then all spectroscopic binaries, made of a giant and a white dwarf, in a reasonable range of periods, would exhibit the Ba II pecularity. However, the discovery of a peculiar giant+main sequence binary system would imply a revision of our ideas about Ba II stars. To this end have we begun a systematic spectral survey of spectroscopic binaries with orbital periods in the range characteristic of known Ba II stars and containing a red giant. The realization that some stars of the catalogue we compiled were already identified as semibariium stars encourages us to pursue our investigation. Coude spectra were taken with the 152 cm telescope, at a dispersion of 12 Å mm−1 . Until now, 2 stars out of a sample of 31 present a slight enhancement of s-process elements (their anomaly being in the range Ba 0.3 to 0.5), and 2 more appear to be good candidates. The study of a larger sample is currently in progress. A discussion of the nature of the companion to the 2 newly discovered semibarium stars is presented on grounds of their mass function and photometric indices.

scholarly journals Pulsars and Close Binary Systems

1971 ◽  
Vol 46 ◽  
pp. 273-278
Author(s):  
Virginia Trimble ◽  
Martin Rees
Keyword(s):  
Mass Transfer ◽  
Neutron Stars ◽  
Binary Systems ◽  
Alternative Explanation ◽  
Galactic Plane ◽  
Orbital Motion ◽  
Close Binary ◽  
Close Binaries ◽  
Close Binary Systems ◽  
Supernova Explosions

It is first considered what must happen if pulsars (i.e. neutron stars) are formed in close binary systems (CBS), and whether the resulting orbital motion and mass transfer should be observable. As this set of alternatives seems unlikely, there follow suggestions of how one might prevent the formation of neutron stars in close binaries. Finally, it is shown that ‘runaway’ pulsars with velocities larger than about 15 km/sec cannot be produced by isotropic supernova explosions within close binaries, and an alternative explanation is suggested for the observed correlation of periods of pulsars with their distances from the galactic plane.

scholarly journals The Temperatures of White Dwarfs in Accreting Binaries

1989 ◽  
Vol 114 ◽  
pp. 92-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula Szkody ◽  
Edward M. Sion
Keyword(s):  
Mass Transfer ◽  
Energy Distribution ◽  
White Dwarf ◽  
White Dwarfs ◽  
Binary Systems ◽  
Spectral Lines ◽  
Emission Lines ◽  
Minor Amount ◽  
Dwarf Novae ◽  
Optical Flux

Through the use of accreting binary systems, it is possible to study the effects of the deposition of matter and energy on the surface of a white dwarf. The observed atmospheric properties of composition and temperature obtained from direct observation of the spectral lines and the continuum flux can be used to compare with those of single white dwarfs to understand the consequences of mass accretion on binary evolution.Cataclysmic variables provide one of the best targets for this type of study because a) the primaries are all white dwarfs b) the level and the timescale of the accretion cover a large range from the high rate, relatively steady novalike accretors to the dwarf novae systems which are modulated on short timescales in a quasi-periodic manner. Unfortunately, due to the mass transfer process, an accretion disk builds up to the point where its radiation overwhelms the white dwarf light in most cases. Thus, to study the effects on the stellar primary, systems must be found which have low mass transfer rates (generally the short orbital period systems (Patterson 1984)) and/or high inclinations (since most of the disk flux emerges perpendicular to the plane of the disk). The best identification of the white dwarf emerges from IUE spectra which show a broad Lyman α absorption profile (in contrast to the normal emission lines from a disk at quiescence). The shape of this profile provides a sensitive indicator of the temperature and gravity. In some cases, broad absorption lines are also evident in the optical Balmer lines, although the broad emission lines from the disk usually make these difficult to detect. The steeply falling flux distribution of a white dwarf throughout the optical region, combined with a flat disk distribution usually means that the white dwarf contributes a minor amount to the optical flux. However, in the ultraviolet, the rising energy distribution of the white dwarf easily dominates the falling energy distribution of a low accretion rate disk (Mateo and Szkody 1984). White dwarfs are generally acknowledged to be prominent in the dwarf novae U Gem (Panek and Holm 1984), VW Hyi (Mateo and Szkody 1984) and Z Cha (Marsh, Horne and Shipman 1987) and suggested in EK TrA and WZ Sge (Verbunt 1987). In addition, the white dwarf has been seen in some novalike systems which sporadically turn off their mass transfer, (resulting in the disappearance of most of the disk and the resulting appearance of the white dwarf). This has been the case in TT Ari (Shafter et al. 1985) and some limits have been determined for MV Lyr (Szkody and Downes 1982) and V794 Aql (Szkody, Downes and Mateo 1988). Several magnetic white dwarfs have also been seen when the mass transfer ceases in the AM Her systems (summarized in Szkody, Downes and Mateo 1988).

scholarly journals A Gentle Process for the Formation of Algols

1989 ◽  
Vol 107 ◽  
pp. 369-369
Author(s):  
C. A. Tout ◽  
P. P. Eggleton
Keyword(s):  
Mass Transfer ◽  
Magnetic Fields ◽  
Mass Loss ◽  
White Dwarf ◽  
Binary Systems ◽  
Roche Lobe ◽  
Close Binary ◽  
Red Giants ◽  
Convective Envelope ◽  
Mass Ratios

AbstractThis work is concerned with binary systems that we call ‘moderately close’. These are systems in which the primary (by which we mean the initially more massive star) fills its Roche lobe when it is on the giant branch with a deep convective envelope but before helium ignition (late case B). We find that if the mass ratio q(= M1/M2) < qCrit = 0.7 when the primary fills its Roche lobe positive feedback will lead to a rapid hydrodynamic phase of mass transfer which will probably lead to common envelope evolution and thence to either coalescence or possibly to a close binary in a planetary nebula. Although most Algols have probably filled their Roche lobes before evolving off the main-sequence we find that some could not have and are therefore ‘moderately close’. Since rapid overflow is unlikely to lead to an Algol-like system there must be some way of avoiding it. The most likely possibility is that the primary can lose sufficient mass to reduce q below qcrit before overflow begins. Ordinary mass loss rates are insufficient but evidence that enhanced mass loss does take place is provided by RS CVn systems that have inverted mass ratios but have not yet begun mass transfer. We postulate that the cause of enhanced mass loss lies in the heating of the corona by by magnetic fields maintained by an α-ω dynamo which is enhanced by tidal effects associated with corotation. In order to model the the effects of enhanced mass loss we ignore the details and adopt an empirical approach calibrating a simple formula with the RS CVn system Z Her. Using further empirical relations (deduced from detailed stellar models) that describe the evolution of red giants we have investigated the effect on a large number of systems of various initial mass ratios and periods. These are notable in that some systems can now enter a much gentler Algol-like overflow phase and others are prevented from transferring mass altogether. We have also investigated the effects of enhanced angular momentum loss induced by corotation of the wind in the strong magnetic fields and consider this in relation to observed period changes. We find that a typical ‘moderately close’ Algol-like system evolves through an RS CVn like system and then possibly a symbiotic state before becoming an Algol and then goes on through a red giant-white dwarf state which may become symbiotic before ending up as a double white dwarf system in either a close or wide orbit depending on how much mass is lost before the secondary fills its Roche lobe.

scholarly journals Evolution of Intermediate Mass Close Binaries

1980 ◽  
Vol 88 ◽  
pp. 109-114
Author(s):  
Th.J. Van Der Linden
Keyword(s):  
Mass Transfer ◽  
Binary Systems ◽  
Main Sequence ◽  
Mass Transfer Rate ◽  
Primary Component ◽  
Close Binary ◽  
Close Binaries ◽  
Transfer Phase ◽  
Helium Burning ◽  
Helium Star

Numerical simulations of close binary evolution were performed for five binary systems, using a newly developed evolutionary program. The systems have masses 3+2, 4+3.2, 6+4, 9+6, 12+8 M⊙ and periods 2d, 1d78, 3d, 4d, 5d respectively. The primary component was followed from the zero-age main sequence through the mass transfer phase to core-helium burning. Special care was given to the self-consistent determination of the mass transfer rate and the detailed treatment of composition changes. After the mass transfer phase the resulting systems consist of a main sequence star with a helium star companion of mass 0.36, 0.46, 0.82, 1.48, 2.30 M⊙ for the five systems respectively. Interesting “thermal pulses” were found in the 3+2 M⊙ system at the onset of helium burning.

scholarly journals Binary S and MS Stars

1992 ◽  
Vol 151 ◽  
pp. 157-166
Author(s):  
Hollis R. Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Mass Transfer ◽  
White Dwarf ◽  
Infrared Radiation ◽  
Large Fraction ◽  
Circumstellar Dust ◽  
Agb Stars ◽  
Hot Gas ◽  
Popular View ◽  
Process Elements ◽  
Gas Cloud

We assemble and discuss evidence for binarity in S and MS stars - stars that are enriched in s-process elements. A popular view is that Tc-deficient S and MS stars are not thermally pulsing AGB stars but are mass-transfer binaries. We describe several methods used to test this hypothesis through a search for the putative white-dwarf companion: (1) periodic radial velocity variations, (2) direct observation of the hot companions with IUE, (3) evidence of a hot gas cloud (hotter than a chromosphere) in the system, and (4) evidence of circumstellar dust as revealed through infrared radiation. Results of these methods are compared. All evidence supports the idea that Tc-deficient S and MS stars are mass-transfer binaries, and a large fraction appear to be interactive.

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