The DBV stars: Progress and problems
The DB white dwarfs comprise the majority of the 20% or so of non-DA white dwarfs, and have effective temperatures between 11,000 K and 30,000 K. The hottest DBs define the cool end of the so called ``DB gap`` that lies between 30,000 K and 45,000 K; in this region, no helium atmosphere white dwarf is known. The existence of this gap presents a great puzzle concerning the origin and evolution of helium atmosphere white dwarfs. Asteroseismology of the DBV stars as a class will tell scientists what DBs just below the red edge of the DB gap are like. This, coupled with structural understanding of the pulsating PG 1159 stars, the interacting binary white dwarfs (IBWDs), and white dwarf evolution calculations should fill in the gaps of knowledge about the DB white dwarfs and their origins. Here, the author describes the current status of understanding of DBV white dwarf structure via asteroseismology, with an emphasis on what was learned through Whole Earth Telescope data.
- Research Organization:
- Los Alamos National Lab., NM (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-36
- OSTI ID:
- 106604
- Report Number(s):
- LA-UR--95-3005; CONF-9507169--1; ON: DE96000029
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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