Rapid mass transfer in binary systems

This thesis investigates the conditions for rapid mass transfer in binary stars. Previous theoretical calculations and observations of binaries imply the existence of several different timescales for mass transfer: nuclear, thermal, or dynamical. Since the mass transfer rates differ by several orders of magnitude, it is important to know which timescales are relevant to different systems. Dynamical timescale mass transfer is thought to cause substantial decreases in the orbital period through mass and angular momentum losses. Thermal timescale mass transfer is thought to transform the appearance of the binary as mass exchange occurs in a short time. Binaries currently transferring mass are doing so on the longest, nuclear, timescale.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Physics, Astronomy and Astrophysics

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2011

Author dc:creator

• Hjellming, Michael Scott

• Physics, Astronomy and Astrophysics

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 1989 Hjellming, Michael Scott

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

AAI9010885
(UMI)AAI9010885

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/23573