On the late spectral types of cataclysmic variable secondaries

We investigate why the spectral type of most cataclysmic variable (CV) secondaries is significantly later than that of a zero-age main-sequence (ZAMS) star with the same mean density. Using improved stellar input physics, tested against observations of low-mass stars at the bottom of the main sequence, we calculate the secular evolution of CVs with low-mass donors. We consider sequences with different mass transfer rates and with a different degree of nuclear evolution of the donor prior to mass transfer.
Systems near the upper edge of the gap ( P ∼3–6 h) can be reproduced by models with a wide range of mass transfer rates from 1.5×10⁻⁹ M_⊙ yr⁻¹ to 10⁻⁸ M_⊙ yr⁻¹. Evolutionary sequences with a small transfer rate and donors that are substantially evolved off the ZAMS (central hydrogen content 0.05–0.5) reproduce CVs with late spectral types above P ≳6 h. Systems with the most discrepant (late) spectral type should have the smallest donor mass at any given P .
Consistency with the period gap suggests that the mass transfer rate increases with decreasing donor mass for evolved sequences above the period gap. In this case, a single-parameter family of sequences with varying X _c and increasing mass transfer rate reproduces the full range of observed spectral types. This would imply that CVs with such evolved secondaries dominate the CV population.     

First period analyses of five neglected Algol-type eclipsing binaries: TT And, V342 Aql, RW Cap, BZ Cas and TW Lac

We present the first study of the orbital period variations of five neglected Algol-type eclipsing binaries TT And, V342 Aql, RW Cap, BZ Cas and TW Lac, using their O–C diagrams gathered from all available times of eclipse minima. These O–C diagrams indicate that short term periodic variations superimposed on secular period increases as expected in mass transferring Algols. However, due to short time coverage of the data, the secular period increase is not clear in the case of BZ Cas and V342 Aql. The secular period increase is interpreted in terms of the combined effect of mass transfer between the components of the system and the mass loss by a stellar wind from the system. The mass transfer rates from the less massive secondary components to the more massive primaries for non-conservative cases would be about 10⁻⁷M/yr and 10⁻⁸M/yr for RW Cap and V342 Aql, respectively, and 10⁻⁹M/yr for TT And and TW Lac. Therefore, the Algol systems RW Cap and V342 Aql have the largest mass transfer rate, which could be in Case AB type, while those of the Algol systems TT And and TW Lac display the slow mass transfer rate and they could be in Case B type. The sinusoidal forms of the orbital period variations of all five Algol systems can be due to either by the light-time effects due to unseen components in these systems, or by the cyclic magnetic activity effects of the cool secondary components. The possible third bodies in all five Algol binaries would have masses larger than one solar mass. If these hypothetical large massive third bodies were normal stars, they should be detectable. Therefore, new photometric and spectroscopic observations of these systems and careful analyses of those data are required. Otherwise, the cyclic magnetic activity effects of the secondary components could be the basis of a working hypothesis in explaining the cyclic period variations of these systems.     

EM Cygni: A study of its eclipse timings

EM Cygni is a Z Cam‐subtype eclipsing dwarf nova. Its orbital period variations were reported in the past but the results were in conflict to each other while other studies allowed the possibility of no period variation. In this study we report accurate new times of minima of this eclipsing binary and update itsO –C diagram.We also estimate the mass transfer rate in EM Cygni system and conclude that the mass transfer is far from the critical value. The mass transfer rate determined from the eclipse timings is in agreement with the spectroscopically determined value. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Mass transfer and loss of the massive semi-detached binary AI Crucis

AI Crucis is a short-period semi-detached massive close binary (P = 1.41771d, Sp.=B1.5) in the open cluster NGC 4103. It is a good astrophysical laboratory for investigating the formation and evolution of massive close binary stars via case A mass transfer. Orbital period variations of the system were analyzed based on one newly determined eclipse time and the others compiled from the literature. It is discovered that the orbital period of the binary is continuously increasing at a rate of dP/dt = +1.00(±0....     

An orbital period investigation of the Algol-type eclipsing binary VW Hydrae

Orbital period variations of the Algol-type eclipsing binary, VW Hydrae, are analyzed based on one newly determined eclipse time and the other times of light minima collected from the literature. It is discovered that the orbital period shows a continuous increase at a rate of dP/dt = +6.34×10-7 d yr-1 while it undergoes a cyclic change with an amplitude of 0.0639 d and a period of 51.5 yr. After the long-term period increase and the large-amphtude period oscillation were subtracted from the O-C curve, the residuals of the photoelectric and CCD data indicate a small-amplitude cyclic variation with a period of 8.75 yr and a small amplitude of 0.0048d. The continuous period increase indicates a conservative mass transfer at a rate of dM2/dt = 7.89×10-8 M⊙ yr-1 from the secondary to the primary. The period increase may be caused by a combination of the mass transfer from the secondary to the primary and the angular momentum transfer from the binary system to the circumbinary disk. The two cyclic period oscillations can be explained by light-travel time effects via the presence of additional bodies. The small-amplitude periodic change indicates the existence of a less massive component with mass M3 > 0.53 M⊙, while the large-amplitude one is caused by the presence of a more massive component with mass M4 > 2.84 M⊙. The ultraviolet source in the system reported by Kviz & Rufener (1987) may be one of the additional components, and it is possible that the more massive one may be an unseen neutron star or black hole. The rapid period increase and the possibility of the presence of two additional components in the binary make it a very interesting system to study. New photometric and high-resolution spectroscopic observations and a detailed investigation of those data are required in the future.     

A further discussion on the mass loss of Mira stars

For 42 Mira variables with known period, spectral type, and associated OH maser spectrum, we calculated their mass loss rate and hence found the relations between the mass loss rate and luminosity, period and the velocity of the associated maser source. There was no clear dependence of the mass loss rate on the surface temperature. A brief discussion is given on these results.     

Analytical solution for the evolution of a binary with stable mass transfer from a giant

We derive a simple analytical solution for the evolution of a close binary with nuclear time-scale driven mass transfer from a giant. This solution is based on the well-known fact that the luminosity and the radius of a giant scale to a good approximation as simple power laws of the mass M _c of the degenerate helium core. Comparison with results of numerical calculations by Webbink, Rappaport & Savonije show the analytical solution and the power-law approximation to be quite accurate. The analytical solution presented does also allow (in parametrized form) for non-conservative mass transfer. Furthermore, it is shown that the near constancy of the mass-transfer rate over most of the mass-transfer phase seen in the results by Webbink, Rappaport & Savonije is not a generic feature of this type of evolution but rather a consequence of a particular choice of parameters. The analytical solution also demonstrates that the level of mass transfer is largely set by the core mass of the giant at the onset of mass transfer. Finally, we show that the model is self-consistent and discuss its applicability to low-mass X-ray binaries.     

Evolution of The Spin Periods of Neutron Stars in Low Mass X-ray Binaries

We present a numerical analysis of the spin evolution of neutron stars in low-mass X-ray binaries, trying to explain the discrepancy in the spin period distribution between observations of millisecond pulsars and theoretical results. In our calculations, we take account of possible effects of radiation pressure and irradiation-induced instability on the structure of the disk, and the evolution of the mass transfer rate, respectively. We report the following results: (1) The radiation pressure in the accretion disk leads to a slight increase of spin periods, and the variation of mass transfer rate caused by the neutron star irradiation can shorten the spin-down phase of evolution. (2) The calculated results of the model combining radiation pressure and irradiation show that the accretion is strongly limited by the radiation pressure in the high mass transfer phase. (3) The accreted mass and fastness parameter can affect the number of systems in the equilibrium state.     

RV Piscium: a marginal contact binary system

The first complete charge-coupled device (CCD) light curves in B and V bands of the short-period binary system, RV Psc, are presented. It is found that the light curves of RV Psc are symmetric and belong to the EW type rather than the EA type as described in the 4th edition of the GCVS. Photometric solutions were derived by using the 2003 version of the Wilson–Devinney (W-D) method. It is shown that RV Psc is a marginal contact system (f=5.8%±6.6%) with a mass ratio of q=0.5978±0.0096. The temperature difference between both components is only 17 K. Analysis of the O-C curve suggests that the period of RV Psc shows a long-term continuous decrease at a rate of dP/dt=?5.89×10^?8 days/year. The long-time period decrease, the marginal-contact configuration, and the astrophysical parameters of the binary system, all suggest that it is a newly formed marginal contact binary from a case A mass transfer and will evolve into a normal overcontact binary.     

Study of photoelectric observations of the eclipsing binary system FZ-Delphinus

Photoelectric observations in B and V for the FZ Del system are presented and its light curves are analyzed. Absolute parameters are obtained. The system shows a near contact subgaint secondary component with a likely K1 spectral type. The O-C curve is presented and probably a secular orbital period variations is detected on a timescale of about 6.9×10⁶ yrs, suggesting thermal timescale mass transfer. A new light elements for the system have been obtained. The system can be considered as an early stage of conservative case of mass transfer. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Dust Shells Around Carbon Mira Variables

The spectral energy distributions and mid-infrared spectra of 44 carbon Mira variables are fitted using a dust radiative transfer model. The periods cover the entire range observed for carbon Miras. The luminosities are calculated from a period-luminosity relation. Parameters derived are the distance, the dust mass loss rate and the ratio of silicon carbide to amorphous carbon dust. The total mass loss rate is derived from a modified relation between the photon momentum (L/c) and the momentum in the wind (M υ_∞). Mass loss rates between 1 × 10⁻⁸ and 4 × 10⁻⁵ M_⊙ yr⁻¹ are found. We find good correlations between mass loss rate and pulsation period, and mass loss rate and luminosity. The dust-to-gas ratio appears to be almost constant up to periods of about 500 days, corresponding to about 7900 L_⊙, and then to increase by a factor of 5 towards longer periods and higher luminosities. A comparison is made with radiation-hydrodynamical calculations including dust formation. The mass loss rates predicted by these models are consistent with those derived in this paper. The main discrepancy is in the predicted expansion velocities for models with luminosities below ∼5000 L_⊙. The radiation-hydrodynamical calculations predict expansion velocities which are significantly too large. This is related to the fact that these models need to be calculated with a large C/O ratio to get an outflow in the first place. This is contrary to observations. It indicates that a principle physical ingredient in these radiation-hydrodynamical calculations is still missing. Possibly the winds are ‘clumpy’ which may lead to dust formation on a local scale, or there is an additional outwards directed force, possibly radiation pressure on molecules. This revised version was published online in September 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

SPH simulations of negative (nodal) superhumps: a parametric study

Negative superhumps in cataclysmic variable systems result when the accretion disc is tilted with respect to the orbital plane. The line of nodes of the tilted disc precesses slowly in the retrograde direction, resulting in a photometric signal with a period slightly less than the orbital period. We use the method of smoothed particle hydrodynamics to simulate a series of models of differing mass ratio and effective viscosity to determine the retrograde precession period and superhump period deficit  ɛ₋  as a function of system mass ratio q . We tabulate our results and present fits to both  ɛ₋  and  ɛ₊  versus q , as well as compare the numerical results with those compiled from the literature of negative superhump observations. One surprising result is that while we find negative superhumps most clearly in simulations with an accretion stream present, we also find evidence for negative superhumps in simulations in which we shut off the mass transfer stream completely, indicating that the origin of the photometric signal is more complicated than previously believed.     

Low resolution spectroscopy of selected Algol systems

The analysis of spectroscopic data for 30 Algol-type binaries is presented. All these systems are short period Algols having primaries with spectral types B and A. Dominant spectral lines were identified for the spectra collected and their equivalent widths were calculated. All the spectra were examined to understand presence of mass transfer, a disk or circumstellar matter and chromospheric emission. We also present first spectroscopic and period study for few Algols and conclude that high resolution spectra within and outside the primary minimum are needed for better understanding of these Algol type close binaries.     

Photometric Analysis and Period Investigation of the EW Type Eclipsing Binary V441 Lac

Four color light curves of the EW type eclipsing binary V441 Lac were presented and analyzed by the W–D code. It is found that V441 Lac is an extremely low mass ratio (q = 0.093±0.001) semi-detached binary with the less massive secondary component filling the inner Roche lobe. Two dark spots on the primary component were introduced to explain the asymmetric light curves. By analyzing all times of light minimum, we determined that the orbital period of V441 Lac is continuously increasing at a rate of dP/dt = 5.874(±0.007) × 10^?7 d yr^?1. The semi-detached Algol type configuration of V441 Lac is possibly formed by a contact configuration destroyed shallow contact binary due to mass transfer from the less massive component to the more massive one predicted by the thermal relaxation oscillation theory.     

Evolutionary computations of the early-type contact binary SV Centauri

Evolutionary models of the early-type contact binary SV Centauri are recalculated with contact condition taken into account. Two types of the contact condition are employed in the contact phase. With the initial masses of 13.4 and 7.0M for the component stars, the observed features such as the rate of mass transfer, the degree of contact, and the positions of both components in the H-R diagram can be reproduced. In agreement with the conclusion given in the previous paper (Nakamuraet al., 1978), this indicates that the binary system SV Cen is actually in the rapid phase of mass transfer preceding the reversal of the mass ratio.In contrast to the steadily increasing character of the rate of mass transfer shown in the previous paper, however, the rate of mass transfer suddenly turns to decrease as soon as the system evolves into the contact phase. This decreasing character continues until the rate drops to a minimum. In such contact phase the radius of the primary component remains almost unchanged, the secondary component increases its radius slowly, and the degree of contact increases in a definite way. Except a slight difference in the degree of contact evaluated, the use of different expressions for the contact condition does not produce practically any appreciable difference in the results.     

Structure and evolution of low-mass W Ursae Majoris type systems – III. The effects of the spins of the stars

In a previous paper, using Eggleton's stellar evolution code, we have discussed the structure and evolution of low-mass W Ursae Majoris (W UMa) type contact binaries with angular momentum loss owing to gravitational radiation or magnetic braking. We find that gravitational radiation is almost insignificant for cyclic evolution of low-mass W UMa type systems, and it is possible for angular momentum to be lost from W UMa systems in a magnetic stellar wind. The weaker magnetic activity shown by observations in W UMa systems is likely caused by the lower mass of the convective envelopes in these systems than in similar but non-contact binaries. The spin angular momentum cannot be neglected at any time for W UMa type systems, especially for those with extreme mass ratios. The spin angular momenta of both components are included in this paper and they are found to have a significant influence on the cyclic evolution of W UMa systems. We investigate the influence of the energy transfer on the common convective envelopes of both components in detail. We find that the mass of the convective envelope of the primary in contact evolution is slightly more than that in poor thermal contact evolution, and that the mass of the convective envelope of the secondary in contact evolution is much less than that in poor thermal contact evolution. Meanwhile, the rate of angular momentum loss of W UMa type systems is much lower than that of poor thermal contact systems. This is indeed caused by the lower masses of the convective envelopes of the components in W UMa type systems. Although the models with angular momentum loss for W UMa systems exhibit cyclic evolution, they seem to show that a W UMa system cannot continue this type of cyclic evolution indefinitely, and it might coalesce into a fast-rotating star after about 1200 cycles of evolution (about  7.0 × 10⁹ yr  ).     

Mass loss and shell masses of close binary stars

From the values of period changes for 6 close binary stars the mass transfer rate was calculated. Comparing these values M_t with the values of shell masses M_sh, the expression $$lg \dot M_t = \begin{array}{*{20}c} {4.24} \\ { \pm 24} \\ \end{array} + \begin{array}{*{20}c} {0.63} \\ { \pm 6} \\ \end{array} lg M_{sh} $$ Was derived. The analysis of this expression points out the initial character of the outflow of matter, and one may determine the time interval of the substitution of the shell matter. So one may conclude that for a certain mass transfer rate, a certain amount of matter accumulates in the nearby regions of the system. The study of orbital period changes of close binary stellar systems led to the idea that these secular and irregular changes are due to the mass loss and to the redistribution of masses in a close binary. Secular changes of orbital periods are known for approximately 400 eclipsing binary stars. For many stars, including cataclysmic binaries, irregular period changes are known. Thus, the mass loss and the matter redistribution in close binaries are often observed phenomena.     

Orbital period changes of contact binary systems: direct evidence for thermal relaxation oscillation theory

Orbital period changes of ten contact binary systems (S Ant, ε CrA, EF Dra, UZ Leo, XZ Leo, TY Men, V566 Oph, TY Pup, RZ Tau and AG Vir) are studied based on the analysis of their     curves. It is discovered that the periods of the six systems, S Ant, ε CrA, EF Dra, XZ Leo, TY Men and TY Pup, show secular increases. For UZ Leo, its secular period increase rate is revised. For the three systems, V566 Oph, RZ Tau and AG Vir, weak evidence is presented that a periodic oscillation (with periods of 20.4, 28.5 and 40.9 yr respectively) is superimposed on a secular period increase. The cyclic period changes can be explained by the presence of an unseen third body in the three systems. All the sample stars studied are contact binaries with     .
Furthermore, orbital period changes of 27 hot contact binaries have been checked. It is found that, apart from AW UMa with the lowest mass ratio     , none shows an orbital period decrease. The relatively weak magnetic activity in the hotter contact binaries means little angular momentum loss (AML) from the systems via magnetic stellar winds. The period increases of these W UMa binaries can be explained by mass transfer from the secondary to the primary components, which is in agreement with the prediction of the thermal relaxation oscillation (TRO) models. This suggests that the evolution of a hotter W UMa star is mainly controlled by TRO. On the other hand, for a cooler W UMa star     , its evolution may be TRO plus AML, which coincides with the recent results of Qian.     

Tidal Angular Momentum in Close Binary Systems in presence of Wind Driven Non-conservative Mass Transfer with Uniform Mass Accretion Rate

A very well-known property of close binary stars is that they usually rotate slowly than a similar type single star. Massive stars in close binary systems are supposed to experience an exchange of mass and angular momentum via mass transfer and tidal interaction, and thus the evolution of binary stars becomes more complex than that of individual stars. In recent times, it has become clear that a large number of massive stars interact with binary companions before they die. The observation also reveals that in close pairs the rotation tends to be synchronized with the orbital motion and the companions are naturally tempted to invoke tidal friction. We here introduce the effect of tidal angular momentum in the model of wind driven non-conservative mass transfer taking mass accretion rate as uniform with respect to time. To model the angular momentum evolution of a low mass main sequence companion star can be a challenging task. So, to make the present study more interesting, we have considered initial masses of the donor and gainer stars at the proximity of bottom-line main sequence stars and they are taken with lower angular momentum. We have produced a graphical profile of the rate of change of tidal angular momentum and the variation of tidal angular momentum with respect to time under the present consideration.     

First light curve and period study of LO Andromedae

New BV light curves and times of minimum light for the short period W UMa system LO And were analyzed to derive the preliminary physical parameters of the system. The light curves were obtained at Ankara University Observatory during 5 nights in 2003. A new ephemeris is determined for the times of primary minimum. The analysis of the light curves is made using the Wilson‐Devinney 2003 code. The present solution reveals that LO And has a photometric mass ratio q = 0.371 and is an A‐type contact binary. The period of the system is still increasing, which can be attributed to light‐time effect and mass transfer between the components. With the assumption of coplanar orbit of the third body the revealed mass is M₃ = 0.21M_⊙. If the period change dP/dt = 0.0212 sec/yr is caused only by the mass transfer between components (from the lighter component to the heavier) the calculated mass transfer rate is dm/dt = 1.682×10⁻⁷M_⊙/yr. The absolute radii and masses estimated for the components, based on our photometric solution and the absolute parameters of the systems which have nearly same period are R₁ = 1.30R_⊙, R₂ = 0.85R_⊙, M₁ = 1.31M_⊙, M₂ = 0.49M_⊙ respectively for the primary and secondary components. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)