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Role of the accretion rate in nova outbursts

Journal Article · · Astrophys. J.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/159990· OSTI ID:7041930

We investigate the role of the accretion rate in determining the outcome of the accretion of hydrogen-rich material onto a 1.25 M/sub sun/ C/O white dwarf. It is found that there is an upper limit to the mass accretion rate that leads to a nova outburst. The upper limit is between 10/sup -8/ and 10/sup -9/ M/sub sun/ yr/sup -1/ for a 1.25 M/sub sun/ white dwarf. Below this upper limit, the outburst characteristics are very similar for accretion rates down to 10/sup -11/ M/sub sun/ yr/sup -1/.

Research Organization:
Department of Geophysics and Planetary Sciences, Tel Aviv University
OSTI ID:
7041930
Journal Information:
Astrophys. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J.; (United States) Vol. 257:1; ISSN ASJOA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English