Post-common-envelope binaries from SDSS. XIII: Mass dependencies of the orbital period distribution

Details Post-common-envelope binaries from SDSS. XIII: Mass dependencies of the orbital period distribution Post-common-envelope binaries from SDSS. XIII: Mass dependencies of the orbital period distribution

2011-11-10

arxiv.org/abs/1111.2512v1

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

Solar and Stellar Astrophysics

Accepted for publication in A&A, 4 pages, 4 figures

Scientific paper

10.1051/0004-6361/201117803

Post-common-envelope binaries (PCEBs) consisting of a white dwarf (WD) and a main-sequence secondary star are ideal systems to constrain models of common-envelope (CE) evolution. Until very recently, observed samples of PCEBs have been too small to fully explore this potential, however the recently identified large and relatively homogenous sample of PCEBs from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) has significantly changed this situation. We here analyze the orbital period distributions of PCEBs containing He- and C/O-core WDs separately and investigate whether the orbital period of PCEBs is related to the masses of their stellar components. We performed standard statistical tests to compare the orbital period distributions and to determine the confidence levels of possible relations. The orbital periods of PCEBs containing He-core WDs are significantly shorter than those of PCEBs containing C/O-core WDs. While the He-core PCEB orbital period distribution has a median value of Porb ~ 0.28 d, the median orbital period for PCEBs containing C/O-core WDs is Porb ~ 0.57 d. We also find that systems containing more massive secondaries have longer post-CE orbital periods, in contradiction to recent predictions. Our observational results provide new constraints on theories of CE evolution. However we suggest future binary population models to take selection effects into account that still affect the current observed PCEB sample.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Post-common-envelope binaries from SDSS. XIII: Mass dependencies of the orbital period distribution 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 Post-common-envelope binaries from SDSS. XIII: Mass dependencies of the orbital period distribution, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Post-common-envelope binaries from SDSS. XIII: Mass dependencies of the orbital period distribution will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-727923