Theoretical statistics of zero-age cataclysmic variables

"The distribution of the white dwarf masses, the distribution of the mass ratios and the distribution of the orbital periods in cataclysmic variables which are forming at the present time are calculated. These systems are referred to as ""zero-age cataclysmic variables"". The results show that 60% of the systems being formed contain helium white dwarfs and 40% contain carbon-oxygen white dwarfs. The mean white dwarf mass in those systems containing helium white dwarfs is 0.34 M . 0 The mean white dwarf mass in those systems containing carbon-oxygen white dwarfs is 0.75 M . The distribution of white dwarf 0 masses in zero-age cataclysmic variables is similar to the distribution of masses in single white dwarfs for masses above approximately 0.6 M . 0 The distribution of white dwarf masses in zero-age cataclysmic variables is not sufficient to account for the observed high white dwarf masses in cataclysmic variables, emphasizing the possible importance of selection effects. The orbital period distribution identifies four main classes of zero-age cataclysmic variables: 1.) short-period systems containing helium white dwarfs, 2.) systems containing carbon-oxygen white dwarfs whose secondaries are convectively stable against rapid mass transfer to the white dwarf, 3.) systems containing carbon-oxygen white dwarfs whose secondaries are radiatively stable against rapid mass transfer to the white dwarf and 4.) long period systems with evolved secondaries. The ranges of progenitor lobe-filling giant masses and radii are also better identified. The white dwarf mass distribution in zero-age cataclysmic variables has direct application to the calculation of the frequency of outbursts in classical novae as a function of the mass of the white dwarf. The method developed in this thesis to calculate the distributions of the orbital parameters in zero-age cataclysmic variables can be used to calculate theoretical statistics of any class of binary systems. This method provides a theoretical framework from which to investigate the statistical properties and the evolution of the orbital parameters of binary systems."

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Physics

Year dc:date

2011

Author dc:creator

• Politano, Michael James

Contributors dc:contributor

• Webbink, Ronald F.

• white dwarf masses
• mass ratios
• orbital periods
• cataclysmic variables
• zero-age cataclysmic variables

Statement dc:rights

• 1988 Michael James Politano

Language dc:language

en

Identifier

3471852

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/23928