Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
1996-08-11
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
11 pages, 7 Postscript Figures, uses aaspp4.sty. Accepted for publication in the Astrophysical Journal
Scientific paper
We propose a new formation mechanism (direct-supernova) for low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs) that does not involve any prior phase of mass transfer. Survival through the supernova (SN) explosion and shrinkage of the orbit is achieved by a kick velocity of appropriate magnitude and direction imparted to the neutron star at its birth. We present analytical population synthesis calculations of LMXBs forming via both the direct-SN and the helium-star SN mechanisms, and compare the results. We find that the direct-SN channel contributes a non-negligible fraction of the total LMXB population, depending strongly on the r.m.s. magnitude of the kick velocity. More importantly, the direct-SN mechanism provides a natural way for the formation of low-mass binary pulsars in nearly circular orbits with orbital periods in excess of about 100 days, which cannot have been formed via the helium-star SN mechanism.
No associations
LandOfFree
Formation of Low-Mass X-ray Binaries. III. A New Formation Mechanism: Direct Supernova 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 Formation of Low-Mass X-ray Binaries. III. A New Formation Mechanism: Direct Supernova, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Formation of Low-Mass X-ray Binaries. III. A New Formation Mechanism: Direct Supernova will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-303859