Accretion disc models for AM Canum Venaticorum systems

Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

20

Stars: Individual: Am Cvn, Cr Boo, Stars: Novae, Cataclysmic Variables, Stars: Evolution, Stars: Binaries: General

Scientific paper

Using a model of the vertical structure of accretion discs, we calculate disc spectra across a range of system parameters for the helium-rich AM CVn cataclysmic variables, and investigate thermal instabilities in their discs. Applying a chi 2-minimisation technique, predicted HeI and HI continuum and line profiles are compared with those observed for two such systems, AM CVn and CR Boo, to estimate several system parameters. We find: mean accretor masses close to, but somewhat higher than, the 0.7-0.8 M_sun range predicted by present population synthesis studies; typical helium-to-hydrogen number density ratios of 102-104, consistent with a helium-degenerate donor surrounded by a helium-rich envelope; and mass-transfer rates of about 1017gs-1, which may place the systems in the region of potential disc instability. S-curves calculated for the best-fit models are consistent with a thermally-stable disc in AM CVn, and a thermally unstable disc in CR Boo.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

Accretion disc models for AM Canum Venaticorum systems 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 Accretion disc models for AM Canum Venaticorum systems, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Accretion disc models for AM Canum Venaticorum systems will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1387097

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.