Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Jan 2004
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2004iaus..219..967s&link_type=abstract
Stars as suns : activity, evolution and planets, Proceedings of the 219th symposium of the International Astronomical Union held
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
10
Scientific paper
It is argued that majority of W UMa type binaries are systems past mass exhange in case A. This solves in a natural way the long standing problem of oversized secondaries. The evolutionary scenario leading to such a system is presented and discussed. We start with an initial zero-age main sequence detached binary with an orbital period of 1.5-2 days and unequal low-mass components. The system losses angular momentum (AM) via a magnetized wind until the more massive A component fills its Roche lobe. This takes typically several Gyrs. Mass exchange begins resulting in a formation of a contact system due to an expansion of the B component. Further mass exchange proceeds over a thermal time scale (of the order of 0.1 Gyr) after which the initial mass ratio is reversed. As a result a typical W-type contact binary is formed with a less massive component oversized. The consecutive evolution is governed by a slow mass transfer driven by evolutionary effects and AM loss until merging of both components. This takes again several Gyrs.
No associations
LandOfFree
Evolutionary Status of W Ursae Majoris-Type Stars 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 Evolutionary Status of W Ursae Majoris-Type Stars, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Evolutionary Status of W Ursae Majoris-Type Stars will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1546657