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The Evolution of Binary Stars into Contact States

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 April 2016

R W Hilditch
R W Hilditch*
Affiliation:
University Observatory,St Andrews, Fife KY16 9LZ,Scotland

Abstract

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Good-quality empirical results on 62 short-period binary stars recently summarised by Hilditch & Bell (1987) and Hilditch, King & McFarlane (1988) are discussed in terms of evolutionary paths from detached to semi-detached and contact states. These data suggest two evolutionary paths to the contact binaries - from detached systems directly into contact to form initially shallow-contact systems, and via case A mass transfer to semi-detached states, thence to contact systems. These empirical results support previous arguments based on evolutionary models and less detailed observational data.

Concern is expressed about the paucity of high-quality spectroscopic data, particularly for low-mass systems displaying EB-type light curves and the resultant limitations on analyses of those light curves. Such systems provide tests of evolution into contact for the first time, or of broken-contact phases for WUMa-type binaries. The crucial importance of long-term monitoring (decades) of times of minima as indicators of mass transfer rates amongst these interacting binaries is also noted.

Type
Research Article
Information
International Astronomical Union Colloquium , Volume 107: Algols , 1989 , pp. 289 - 297
Copyright
Copyright © Kluwer 1989

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