The role of the dwarf nova period distribution in understanding the evolution of cataclysmic variables

Statistics – Computation

Scientific paper

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Accretion Disks, Cataclysmic Variables, Dwarf Novae, Stellar Evolution, Angular Momentum, Computational Astrophysics, Stellar Mass Accretion, Stellar Models, Stellar Orbits

Scientific paper

The dwarf nova period distribution is used to constrain the variation of mass transfer with orbital period. For orbital periods above the gap, agreement between the observed dwarf nova period distribution with those constructed from various magnetic braking models is generally poor. The most promising braking law is that of Mestel and Spruit (1987). Under certain conditions this braking law is able to produce a relatively flat M-dot(P) relation, but the braking law is not entirely satisfactory because it offers no explanation for the complete dominance of stable over unstable accretors immediately above the period gap. Speculative ideas are presented that may eventually provide a complete and satisfactory explanation for the lack of dwarf novae with periods between 3 and about 4 hr. It is suggested that the dwarf nova period distribution, and not only the overall period distribution, should be considered when applying observational constraints to theories of mass transfer in cataclysmic variables.

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