Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2008-01-07
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
10 pages, 4 figures, accepted for publication in MNRAS. Corrected typo
Scientific paper
10.1111/j.1365-2966.2008.12934.x
We use an independent new sample of cataclysmic variables (CVs), constructed by selecting objects for Halpha emission, to constrain the properties of the intrinsic CV population. This sample is restricted to systems that are likely to be non-magnetic and unevolved; it consists of 17 CVs, of which at least 10 have orbital periods above 3 h. We find that even very generous allowance for selection effects is not sufficient to reconcile the large ratio of short- to long-period CVs predicted by standard CV evolution theory with the observed sample, possibly implying that short-period systems evolve faster than predicted by the disrupted magnetic braking model. This would require that an angular momentum loss mechanism, besides gravitational radiation, acts on CVs with orbital periods below the period gap. To bring the model into agreement with observations, the rate of angular momentum loss below the period gap must be increased by a factor of at least 3, unless the model also over estimates the angular momentum loss rate of long-period CVs.
Knigge Christian
Pretorius Magaretha L.
No associations
LandOfFree
An Halpha-selected sample of cataclysmic variables -- II. Implications for CV evolution 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 An Halpha-selected sample of cataclysmic variables -- II. Implications for CV evolution, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and An Halpha-selected sample of cataclysmic variables -- II. Implications for CV evolution will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-654905