Physics
Scientific paper
Aug 2006
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2006iaujd..14e..29k&link_type=abstract
Modelling Dense Stellar Systems, 26th meeting of the IAU, Joint Discussion 14, 22-23 August 2006, Prague, Czech Republic, JD14,
Physics
Scientific paper
I will present a critical overview of recent theoretical and observational results regarding the formation and evolution of cataclysmic variables (CVs) in globular clusters (GCs). The overarching goal will be to assess whether the properties of the observed cluster CV population are consistent with expectations based on theoretical predictions and/or direct comparisons to the field CV population. As a starting point, I will take an inventory of the known CV population in GCs, compare its properties to the field CV population and consider to what extent selection effects may be responsible for the differences between them. I will also explore whether physical differences (e.g. in metallicity or primary magnetic field strength) can plausibly explain the observational differences between the two populations. I will go on to consider theoretical predictions for the properties of cluster CVs and show that they depend strongly on the adopted binary evolution recipes (such as the treatment of magnetic braking). This implies that disagreements between predictions and observations of cluster binaries need not imply inadequacies in the treatment of dynamical interactions; they may equally well point to problems with binary evolution prescriptions. This is a serious worry: for example, it is well known that the canonical CV evolution scenario is in serious conflict with several key properties of the field CV population. In a cluster setting, the impact of an erroneous prescription would be exacerbated further by the feedback between stellar dynamics and binary evolution. I will finally consider how to move forward. In particular, I will present results from a recent attempt to empirically calibrate the angular momentum loss (AML) law for field CVs. This AML prescription can be implemented in theoretical models. I will also emphasize the potential of GC surveys to provide CV samples at known distances and with well-understood selection effects. In this sense, GC samples can actually be much cleaner than field CV samples.
No associations
LandOfFree
Observational and Theoretical Constraints on the Formation and Evolution of Cataclysmic Variables in Globular Clusters does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Observational and Theoretical Constraints on the Formation and Evolution of Cataclysmic Variables in Globular Clusters, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Observational and Theoretical Constraints on the Formation and Evolution of Cataclysmic Variables in Globular Clusters will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1624768