Long term evolution of compact binaries with irradiation…紧凑型双星的长期演变与辐射.pdfVIP

AA 423, 281–299 (2004) Astronomy DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361 c ESO 2004 Astrophysics Long-term evolution of compact binaries with irradiation feedback A. Büning and H. Ritter Max-Planck-Institut für Astrophysik, Karl-Schwarzschild-Str. 1, 85740 Garching, Germany e-mail: hsr@mpa-garching.mpg.de Received 13 November 2003 / Accepted 2 March 2004 Abstract. We resume the discussion about irradiation-driven mass transfer cycles in semi-detached compact binary systems. The analytical model that describes the onset of these cycles, which occur on a thermal timescale of the donor star, is reexam- ined. We take into account a contribution of the thermal relaxation which is not related to the irradiation of the donor star and which was neglected in previous studies. Cataclysmic variables (CVs) containing extended giant donors are more stable than previously thought. CVs close to the upper edge of the period gap can undergo cycles at low angular momentum loss rates, as has been suggested by recent magnetic braking prescriptions, while they are stable for high braking rates. A model for the irradiation geometry that takes into account surface elements near the terminator of the donor star indicates that possibly also low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs) can undergo mass transfer cycles. Regarding the braking rate, which is necessary to drive cycles, the same restrictions apply for short period LMXBs as for short period CVs. We confirm that