Links between dwarf and classical novae, and implications for the space densities and evolution of cataclysmic binaries

Journal Article · Mon Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1986 · Astrophys. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/164762· OSTI ID:6484097

Shara, M M; Livio, M; Moffat, A F.J.; Orio, M

The effects of mass and angular momentum losses during a nova eruption are investigated by simulation in the context of a new nova evolution model. It is argued that surveys for cataclysmic variables (CVs) are very incomplete and that the local space density of CVs could well be 0.0001/cu pc. It is shown that the competing effets of mass and angular momentum loss usually increase the separation of a red and white dwarf during a nova eruption. The reasons why old novae remain bright for about a century after eruption and why they reduce the mass transfer rate (MTR) and eventually go into a state of hibernation for a thousand to a million years, eventually reviving as dwarf novae or novalike variables, are discussed. The results of these simulations are used to demonstrate the consistency of variable MTR in resolving the MTR discrepancy. 43 references.

• Research Organization: Space Telescope Science Institute, Baltimore, MD; Hawaii Univ., Honolulu; Illinois Univ., Urbana; Montreal Universite, Canada; Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa
• OSTI ID: 6484097
• Journal Information: Astrophys. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J.; (United States) Vol. 311; ISSN ASJOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640102* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Stars & Quasi-Stellar
Radio & X-Ray Sources
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ANGULAR MOMENTUM
BINARY STARS
DWARF STARS
ERUPTIVE VARIABLE STARS
MASS TRANSFER
MOMENTUM TRANSFER
NOVAE
STAR EVOLUTION
STARS
VARIABLE STARS