Simulations of angular momentum evolution in wind-fed CV precursors

Pearson, K.J., Wynn, G.A. and King, A.R. (1996) Simulations of angular momentum evolution in wind-fed CV precursors. Astrophysics and Space Science Library, 208. pp. 443-444. ISSN 0067-0057 doi: 10.1007/978-94-009-0325-8_131 (Cataclysmic Variables and Related Objects, Proceedings of the 158th Colloquium of the International Astronomical Union, Held at Keele, United Kingdom, June 26–30, 1995, Eds: Evans, A.; Wood, Janet H.)

Abstract/Summary

It is thought that the secondary stars in cataclysmic variables (CVs) may undergo a period of mass loss in the form of a wind during the evolution of the system (Mullan et al. 1992). This wind is thought to magnetically brake the secondary star with a time-scale ~ 10^8 yr (e.g. van Paradijs 1986). When the secondary’s spin has been brought close to synchronism with the orbit it is possible for tidal torques to lock the secondary in synchronous rotation.