Double core evolution. VIII. The spiral-in of a main-sequence star through the envelope of AN asymptotic giant branch companion

Harold W. Yorke*, Peter Bodenheimer, Ronald E. Taam

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

24 Scopus citations

Abstract

A progenitor system for a cataclysmic variable binary consisting of a main-sequence star of 0.7 M and a 3 M asymptotic giant branch star (with a carbon-oxygen core of mass 0.7 M) is evolved through the common envelope phase. The two-dimensional axisymmetric simulations show that the entire common envelope is ejected without the two cores merging together. It is demonstrated that the common envelope evolution terminates as a direct result of the spin-up to near corotation of gas in the vicinity of the cores. The evolution of the common envelope has been followed for sufficiently long times to show that the ejected matter remains confined to the equatorial plane at large distances (≳1014 cm) from the double core. A new feature in the ejected nebula is the appearance of multiple shock fronts which develop as a result of nonuniform energy injection into the envelope. Outward-moving pressure waves form which steepen into shocks as the density falls off in the envelope. The implications of the results for the origin of cataclysmic variables are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)308-313
Number of pages6
JournalAstrophysical Journal
Volume451
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 20 1995

Keywords

  • Binaries: close
  • Hydrodynamics
  • Novae, cataclysmic variables
  • Stars: evolution
  • Stars: interiors

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

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