Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Jan 1994
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1994mnras.266l...1w&link_type=abstract
Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, Vol. 266, NO. 1/JAN, P. L1, 1994
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
47
Binaries: Close - Stars: Evolution - Stars: Magnetic Fields - Novae, Cataclysmic Variables - White Dwarfs
Scientific paper
Observations of AM Herculis binaries recently discovered by ROSAT and other surveys have shown that the AM Herculis binaries do not exhibit a pronounced 2-3 h period gap, which is difficult to explain in terms of the canonical magnetic braking model for the orbital evolution of these binaries. We present a new evolutionary scenario for AM Herculis binaries based on the hypothesis that magnetic braking by the stellar wind of the M-star secondary ceases to be an effective mechanism for the loss of orbital angular momentum when the rotation of the white dwarf becomes synchronized with the orbital motion. This scenario not only explains the high proportion of AM Herculis binaries in the period gap, but also provides a natural explanation for the low mass-transfer rate in these binaries compared to other cataclysmic variables and for the existence of an apparent observed upper limit to the surface magnetic fields of the white dwarfs that is significantly less than the observed maximum magnetic field strength in isolated magnetic white dwarfs.
Wickramasinghe Dayal T.
Wu Ke
No associations
LandOfFree
A New Evolutionary Model for Am-Herculis Binaries 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 A New Evolutionary Model for Am-Herculis Binaries, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and A New Evolutionary Model for Am-Herculis Binaries will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1681753