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On the structure of contact binaries. I - The contact discontinuityThe problem of the interior structure of contact binaries is reviewed, and a simple resolution of the difficulties which plague the theory is suggested. It is proposed that contact binaries contain a contact discontinuity between the lower surface of the common envelope and the Roche lobe of the cooler star. This discontinuity is maintained against thermal diffusion by fluid flow, and the transition layer is thin to the extent that the dynamical time scale is short in comparison with the thermal time scale. The idealization that the transition layer has infinitesimal thickness allows a simple formulation of the structure equations which are closed by appropriate jump conditions across the discontinuity. The further imposition of the standard boundary conditions suffices to define a unique model for the system once the chemical composition, the masses of the two stars, and the orbital separation are specified.
Document ID
19770027893
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Shu, F. H.
(California Univ. Berkeley, CA, United States)
Lubow, S. H.
(California Univ. Berkeley, CA, United States)
Anderson, L.
(California, University Berkeley, Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 8, 2013
Publication Date
October 15, 1976
Publication Information
Publication: Astrophysical Journal
Volume: 209
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Accession Number
77A10745
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGL-05-003-497
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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