NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Mass transfer in cataclysmic variables - Clues from the dwarf nova period distributionEvidence is presented in support of the hypothesis that the mean mass-transfer rate at a given orbital period is not continuous across the 2-3 hr gap in the orbital period distribution for cataclysmic variables. It is pointed out that although dwarf novae comprise nearly half (48 percent) of all disk systems with orbital periods less than 10 hr, only three systems out of the 22 with periods between 3 and 4 hr appear to be dwarf novae. The overall orbital period distribution for dwarf novae in conjunction with the predictions from current theories of dwarf nova eruptions are used to argue that mass-transfer rates must be generally higher for systems with orbital periods greater than 3 hr relative to systems with periods less than 2 hr. It is further argued that the mean mass-transfer rate at a given orbital period cannot increase more steeply than P exp 1.7 unless the white dwarf mass is positively correlated with orbital period.
Document ID
19860055337
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Shafter, A. W.
(McDonald Observatory Austin, TX, United States)
Wheeler, J. C.
(McDonald Observatory; Texas, University Austin, TX, United States)
Cannizzo, J. K.
(Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics Cambridge, MA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
June 1, 1986
Publication Information
Publication: Astrophysical Journal, Part 1
Volume: 305
ISSN: 0004-637X
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Accession Number
86A40075
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGR-22-007-272
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF AST-85-00790
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSG-7232
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available