Long-orbital-period subdwarf B (sdB) stars with main-sequence companions are believed to be the product of stable Roche Lobe overflow (RLOF), a scenario challenged by recent observations. Here we represent the results of a systematic study of the orbital-period distribution of sdB binaries in this channel using detailed binary evolution calculations. We show that the observed orbital-period distribution of long-period sdB binaries can be well explained by this scenario. Furthermore, we find that, if the progenitors of the sdB stars have initial masses below the helium flash mass, the sdB binaries produced from stable RLOF follow a unique mass -- orbital period relation for a given metallicity $Z$; increasing the orbital period from $\sim 400$ to $\sim 1100$\,d corresponds to increasing the mass of the sdB star from $\sim 0.40$ to $\sim 0.49\,M_\odot$ for $Z=0.02$. We suggest that the longest sdB binaries (with orbital period $> 1100$\,d) could be the result of atmospheric RLOF. The mass -- orbital period relation can be tested observationally if the mass of the sdB star can be determined precisely, e.g.\ from asteroseismology. Using this relation, we revise the orbital period distribution of sdB binaries produced by the first stable RLOF channel for the best fitting model of Han et al (2003), and show that the orbital period has a peak around 830\,d.
In this study, we concentrate on the formation and evolution of hot subdwarfs binaries through the stable Roche lobe overflow (RLOF) channel of intermediate-mass binaries. We aim at setting out the properties of hot subdwarfs and their progenitors, so that we can understand the formation and evolution of hot subdwarfs comprehensively. We have obtained the ranges of the initial parameters of progenitor binaries and the properties of hot subdwarfs through the stable RLOF channel of intermediate-mass binaries, e.g. mass, envelope mass and age of hot subdwarfs. We have found that hot subdwarfs cou…
We have simulated a common envelope interaction of a 0.88-M$_{\odot}$, 90-R$_{\odot}$, red giant branch star and a 0.6-M$_{\odot}$, compact companion with the smoothed particle hydrodynamics code, Phantom, from the beginning of the Roche lobe overflow phase to the beginning of the self-regulated inspiral, using three different resolutions. The duration of the Roche lobe overflow phase is resolution dependent and would lengthen with increased resolution beyond the $\sim$20 years observed, while the inspiral phase and the post-common envelope separation are largely independent of resolution. Mas…
One of the principal mechanisms that is responsible for the origin of blue stragglers is mass transfer that takes place while one of the binary companions overfills its Roche lobe. In this Chapter, we overview the theoretical understanding of mass transfer via Roche lobe overflow: classification, how both the donor and of the accretor respond to the mass transfer on different timescales (adiabatic response, equilibrium response, superadiabatic response, time-dependent response) for different types of their envelopes (convective and radiative). These responses, as well as the assumption on how …
One of the important issues regarding the final evolution of stars is the impact of binarity. A rich zoo of peculiar, evolved objects are born from the interaction between the loosely bound envelope of a giant, and the gravitational pull of a companion. However, binary interactions are not understood from first principles, and the theoretical models are subject to many assumptions. It is currently agreed upon that hot subdwarf stars can only be formed through binary interaction, either through common envelope ejection or stable Roche-lobe overflow (RLOF) near the tip of the red giant branch (R…
We report the discovery of the first short period binary in which a hot subdwarf star (sdOB) fills its Roche lobe and started mass transfer to its companion. The object was discovered as part of a dedicated high-cadence survey of the Galactic Plane named the Zwicky Transient Facility and exhibits a period of $P_{\rm orb}=39.3401(1)$ min, making it the most compact hot subdwarf binary currently known. Spectroscopic observations are consistent with an intermediate He-sdOB star with an effective temperature of $T_{\rm eff}=42,400\pm300$ K and a surface gravity of $\log(g)=5.77\pm0.05$. A high-sig…
Many giant exoplanets are found near their Roche limit and in mildly eccentric orbits. In this study we examine the fate of such planets through Roche-lobe overflow as a function of the physical properties of the binary components, including the eccentricity and the asynchronicity of the rotating planet. We use a direct three-body integrator to compute the trajectories of the lost mass in the ballistic limit and investigate the possible outcomes. We find three different outcomes for the mass transferred through the Lagrangian point $L_{1}$: (i) self-accretion by the planet, (ii) direct impact …
Several observational pieces of evidence indicate that specific evolutionary channels which involve Roche lobe overflow are not correctly accounted for by the classical Roche model. We generalize the concept of Roche lobe in the presence of extra forces (caused by radiation pressure or pulsations). By computing the distortion of the equipotential surfaces, we are able to evaluate the impact of these perturbing forces on the stability of Roche-lobe overflow (RLOF). Radiative forces are parametrized through the constant reduction factor that they impose on the gravitational force from the radiat…
We find that applying a theoretical wind mass-loss rate from Monte Carlo radiative transfer models for hydrogen-deficient stars results in significantly more leftover hydrogen following stable mass transfer through Roche-lobe overflow than when we use an extrapolation of an empirical fit for Galactic Wolf-Rayet stars, for which a negligible amount of hydrogen remains in a large set of binary stellar evolution computations. These findings have implications for modelling progenitors of Type Ib and Type IIb supernovae. Most importantly, our study stresses the sensitivity of the stellar evolution …
Carbon-enhanced metal-poor stars (CEMP) are observed as a substantial fraction of the very metal-poor stars in the Galactic halo. Most CEMP stars are also enriched in s-process elements and these are often found in binary systems. This suggests that the carbon enrichment is due to mass transfer in the past from an asymptotic giant branch (AGB) star on to a low-mass companion. Models of binary population synthesis are not able to reproduce the observed fraction of CEMP stars without invoking non-standard nucleosynthesis or a substantial change in the initial mass function. This is interpreted a…
Through tidal dissipation in a slowly spinning host star the orbits of many hot Jupiters may decay down to the Roche limit. We expect that in most cases the ensuing mass transfer will be stable. Using detailed numerical calculations we find that this evolution is quite rapid, potentially leading to complete removal of the gaseous envelope in a few Gyr, and leaving behind an exposed rocky core ("hot super-Earth"). Final orbital periods are quite sensitive to the details of the planet's mass-radius relation, and to the effects of irradiation and photo-evaporation, but could be as short as a few …
Symbiotic stars are interacting binaries with one of the longest orbital periods. Since they can contain a massive white dwarf with a high accretion rate they are considered a possible type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) progenitors. Among symbiotic binaries there are systems containing a Mira donor, which can have orbital periods of a few tens of years and more. This subclass of symbiotic stars due to their very large separation usually was not considered promising SNe Ia progenitors. We analysed evolution of one of the well studied symbiotic star with a Mira donor, V407 Cyg. We showed that the stand…
We present phase-resolved spectroscopy and photometry of the optical counterpart to the X-ray binary IGR J19308+0530. Ellipsoidal modulations in the light curve show that the F-type companion star in the system is Roche lobe filling. The optical spectra are dominated by absorption features from the donor star, with ~10-20 per cent disc contribution to the optical continuum. We measure an orbital period of 14.662+-0.001 h, a radial velocity semiamplitude for the companion star of K2 = 91.4+-1.4 kms-1 and a rotational broadening of vsini = 108.9+-0.6 kms-1. From K2 and vsini, given that the dono…
The formation of hot subdwarf stars is still unclear. Both single-star and binary scenarios have been proposed to explain the properties of these evolved stars situated at the extreme blue end of the horizontal branch. The observational evidence gathered in the last decade, which revealed high fractions of binaries, shifted the focus from the single-star to the binary formation scenarios. Common envelope ejection, stable Roche lobe overflow and the merger of helium white dwarfs seemed to be sufficient to explain the formation of both the binary as well as the remaining single hot subdwarfs. Ho…
In compact stellar triple systems, an evolved tertiary star can overflow its Roche lobe around the inner binary. Subsequently, the tertiary star can transfer mass to the inner binary in a stable manner, or Roche lobe overflow (RLOF) can be unstable and lead to common-envelope (CE) evolution. In the latter case, the inner binary enters the extended envelope of the tertiary star and spirals in towards the donor's core, potentially leading to mergers or ejections. Although studied in detail for individual systems, a comprehensive statistical view on the various outcomes of triple RLOF is lacking.…
Revisiting atmospheric Roche lobe overflow in symbiotic binaries
Yunnan Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)（中国科学院云南天文台）；International Centre of Supernovae (ICESUN), Yunnan Key Laboratory of Supernova Research（超新星国际中心（ICESUN），云南省超新星研究重点实验室）；University of Chinese Academy of Sciences（中国科学院大学）；Department of Physics, University of Alberta（阿尔伯塔大学物理系）；London Institute of Stellar Astrophysics（伦敦恒星天体物理学研究所）；University of Oxford, St Edmund Hall（牛津大学圣埃德蒙学堂）；Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center, Polish Academy of Sciences（波兰科学院尼古拉·哥白尼天文中心）
We present the discovery of the second binary with a Roche lobe-filling hot subdwarf transferring mass to a white dwarf (WD) companion. This 56 minute binary was discovered using data from the Zwicky Transient Facility. Spectroscopic observations reveal an He-sdOB star with an effective temperature of $T_{\rm eff}=33,700\pm1000$ K and a surface gravity of $log(g)=5.54\pm0.11$. The GTC+HiPERCAM light curve is dominated by the ellipsoidal deformation of the He-sdOB star and shows an eclipse of the He-sdOB by an accretion disk as well as a weak eclipse of the WD. We infer a He-sdOB mass of $M_{\r…
Common-envelope (CE) evolution is an outstanding open problem in stellar evolution, critical to the formation of compact binaries including gravitational-wave sources. In the ``classical'' isolated binary evolution scenario for double compact objects, the CE is usually the second mass transfer phase. Thus, the donor star of the CE is the product of a previous binary interaction, often stable Roche-lobe overflow (RLOF). Because of the accretion of mass during the first RLOF, the main-sequence core of the accretor star grows and is ``rejuvenated''. This modifies the core-envelope boundary region…
Binaries consisting of a hot subdwarf star and an accreting white dwarf (WD) are sources of gravitational wave radiation at low frequencies and possible progenitors of type Ia supernovae if the WD mass is large enough. Here, we report the discovery of the third binary known of this kind: it consists of a hot subdwarf O (sdO) star and a WD with an orbital period of 3.495 hours and an orbital shrinkage of 0.1 s in 6 yr. The sdO star overfills its Roche lobe and likely transfers mass to the WD via an accretion disk. From spectroscopy, we obtain an effective temperature of $T_{\mathrm{eff}}=54\,24…
Some close-in gaseous exoplanets are nearly in Roche-lobe contact, and previous studies show tidal decay can drive hot Jupiters into contact during the main sequence of their host stars. Improving upon a previous model, we present a revised model for mass transfer in a semi-detached binary system that incorporates an extended atmosphere around the donor and allows for an arbitrary mass ratio. We apply this new formalism to hypothetical, confirmed, and candidate planetary systems to estimate mass loss rates and compare with models of evaporative mass loss. Overflow may be significant for hot Ne…
We study the evolution of close binary systems formed by a normal (solar composition), intermediate mass donor star together with a neutron star. We consider models including irradiation feedback and evaporation. These non-standard ingredients deeply modify the mass transfer stages of these binaries. While models that neglect irradiation feedback undergo continuous, long standing mass transfer episodes, models including these effect suffer a number cycles of mass transfer and detachment. During mass transfer the systems should reveal themselves as low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs), whereas when …
FQ Circini: An Ordinary Nova with a High-mass B1 V(n)(e) Companion Whose Decretion Disk Transfers Mass to the White Dwarf via Roche-Lobe Overflow
Louisiana State University（路易斯安那州立大学）；American Association of Variable Star Observers（变星观测者协会）；Variable Stars South, Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand（南半球变星，新西兰皇家天文学会）；Centre for Astrophysics, University of Southern Queensland（南昆士兰大学天体物理中心）；Department of Astrophysics, American Museum of Natural History（美国自然历史博物馆天体物理学系）；South African Astronomical Observatory（南非天文台）；Southern African Large Telescope（南非大型望远镜）；University of Southern Queensland（南昆士兰大学）；Vatican Observatory Research Group, University of Arizona（亚利桑那大学梵蒂冈天文台研究组）
Recently, a class of Roche-lobe-filling binary systems consisting of hot subdwarf stars and white dwarfs with sub-hour periods has been discovered. At present, the hot subdwarf is in a shell He burning phase and is transferring some of its remaining thin H envelope to its white dwarf companion. As the evolution of the hot subdwarf continues, it is expected to detach, leaving behind a low mass C/O core white dwarf secondary with a thick He layer. Then, on a timescale of $\sim 10$ Myr, gravitational wave radiation will again bring the systems into contact. If the mass transfer is unstable and re…
We present a method to select hot subdwarf stars with A to M-type companions using photometric selection criteria. We cover a wide range in wavelength by combining GALEX ultraviolet data, optical photometry from the SDSS and the Carlsberg Meridian telescope, near-infrared data from 2MASS and UKIDSS. We construct two complimentary samples, one by matching GALEX, CMC and 2MASS, as well as a smaller, but deeper, sample using GALEX, SDSS and UKIDSS. In both cases, a large number of composite subdwarf plus main-sequence star candidates were found. We fit their spectral energy distributions with a c…
We have run 600 N-body simulations of intermediate-mass (~3500 Msun) young star clusters (SCs) with three different metallicities (Z=0.01, 0.1 and 1 Zsun). The simulations include the dependence of stellar properties and stellar winds on metallicity. Massive stellar black holes (MSBHs) with mass >25 Msun are allowed to form through direct collapse of very massive metal-poor stars (Z<0.3 Zsun). We focus on the demographics of black hole (BH) binaries that undergo mass transfer via Roche lobe overflow (RLO). We find that 44 per cent of all binaries that undergo an RLO phase (RLO binaries) formed…
Binaries that contain a hot subdwarf (sdB) star and a main sequence companion may have interacted in the past. This binary population has historically helped determine our understanding of binary stellar evolution. We have computed a grid of binary population synthesis models using different assumptions about the minimum core mass for helium ignition, the envelope binding energy, the common envelope ejection efficiency, the amount of mass and angular momentum lost during stable mass transfer, and the criteria for stable mass transfer on the red giant branch and in the Hertzsprung gap. These pa…
Hot subdwarf-B (sdB) stars in long-period binaries are found to be on eccentric orbits, even though current binary-evolution theory predicts these objects to be circularised before the onset of Roche-lobe overflow (RLOF). To increase our understanding of binary interaction processes during the RLOF phase, we started a long term observing campaign to study wide sdB binaries. In this article we present a composite-binary-sdB sample, and the results of the spectral analysis of 9 such systems. The grid search in stellar parameters (GSSP) code is used to derive atmospheric parameters for the cool c…
We investigate the effects of mass transfer and gravitational wave (GW) radiation on the orbital evolution of contact neutron-star-white-dwarf (NS-WD) binaries, and the detectability of these binaries by space GW detectors (e.g., Laser Interferometer Space Antenna, LISA; Taiji; Tianqin). A NS-WD binary becomes contact when the WD component fills its Roche lobe, at which the GW frequency ranges from ~0.0023 to 0.72 Hz for WD with masses ~0.05-1.4 Msun. We find that some high-mass NS-WD binaries may undergo direct coalescence after unstable mass transfer. However, the majority of NS-WD binaries …
Combing Gaia DR2 with LAMOST DR5, we spectroscopically identified 924 hot subdwarf stars, among which 32 stars exhibit strong double-lined composite spectra. We measured the effective temperature $T_{\rm eff}$, surface gravity $\log\,g$, helium abundance $y=n{\rm He}/n{\rm H}$, and radial velocities of 892 non-composite spectra hot subdwarf stars by fitting LAMOST observations with Tlusty/Synspec non-LTE synthetic spectra. We outlined four different groups in the $T_{\rm eff}-\log\,g$ diagram with our helium abundance classification scheme and two nearly parallel sequences in the $T_{\rm eff}-…
Eta Carinae's historical light curve: evidence for cyclic Roche lobe overflow from the primary star
Instituto de Astr., Geofísica e Ciências Atmosf. da USP（圣保罗大学天文、地球物理和大气科学研究所）；Escola de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte（北里奥格兰德联邦大学科学与技术学院）；Instituto Nac. de Pesq. Espaciais/MCTI（国家空间研究院/科技部）；Instituto de Astrofísica de La Plata (CCT La Plata - CONICET/UNLP)（拉普拉塔天体物理研究所（拉普拉塔中心-阿根廷国家科学研究委员会/拉普拉塔国立大学））；Laboratório Nacional de Astrofísica（国家天体物理实验室）；Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy（马克斯·普朗克射电天文研究所）
Combining the LAMOST radial velocities with Gaia parallaxes and proper motions, we presented 3D Galactic space motions and the orbits of 182 single-lined hot subdwarf stars. These stars have been identified by Lei et al. (2020) in Gaia DR2 with LAMOST DR6 and DR7 spectra. He-rich hot subdwarf stars with log(y)>0 show the largest standard deviations of the Galactic velocity components and orbital parameters, while those with -1<log(y)<0 exhibit the second largest standard deviations. The two groups of He-deficient stars with log(y)<-1 show similar standard deviations, which is systematically lo…
The evolution of triples has not attracted much attention in the literature, although their evolution can be dramatically different from binaries and single stars. Triples are quite common, and we find that for about 1% of the triples in the Tokovinin catalogue of multiple stellar systems in the solar neighbourhood, the tertiary star will overflow its Roche lobe at some time in its evolution, before any of the inner stars leave the main sequence. For two of these systems, Xi Tauri and HD97131 we simulate in detail this phase of mass transfer, during which stellar evolution, gravitational dynam…
Models of binary star interactions have been successful in explaining the origin of field hot subdwarf (sdB) stars in short period systems, but longer-period systems that formed via Roche-lobe overflow (RLOF) mass transfer from the present sdB to its companion have received less attention. We map sets of initial binaries into present-day binaries that include sdBs and main-sequence stars, distinguishing "observable" sdBs from "hidden" ones. We aim to find out whether (1) the existing catalogues of sdBs are sufficiently fair samples of all the kinds of sdB binaries that theory predicts; or inst…
Many hot subdwarf stars show composite spectral energy distributions indicative of cool main sequence companions. Binary population synthesis (BPS) models demonstrate such systems can be formed via Roche lobe overflow or common envelope evolution but disagree on whether the resulting orbital periods will be long (years) or short (days). Few studies have been carried out to assess the orbital parameters of these spectroscopic composite binaries; current observations suggest the periods are long. To help address this problem, we selected fifteen moderately-bright (V~13) hot subdwarfs with F-K dw…
WOCS 4540 is the longest orbital period ($P_{\rm orb}=3030$ days) blue straggler (BSS) - white dwarf (WD) pair in the old open cluster NGC 188 . It also contains one of the most luminous BSS in the cluster. Prior \textit{Hubble Space Telescope} COS spectroscopy measured a WD mass of 0.53 $M_{\odot}$, indicative of a carbon-oxygen WD and suggesting previous mass transfer from an asymptotic branch giant (AGB). Detailed modeling of the system evolution, including red giant branch phase wind mass transfer, AGB wind Roche-lobe overflow and regular Roche-lobe overflow, is done with Modules for Exper…
We report on the detection of a hot subdwarf component in the Be binary system, 59 Cygni. The spectral signature is found in cross-correlation functions of photospheric model spectra with far-ultraviolet spectra obtained by the International Ultraviolet Explorer Satellite, and we used radial velocities from the cross-correlation functions to determine a double-lined spectroscopic orbit. The individual spectra of the binary components were extracted using a Doppler tomography algorithm. The flux of the system is dominated by the rapidly rotating Be star. However, the subdwarf contributes approx…
An XMM-Newton observation of the nearby "pre-cataclysmic" short-period (P_orb = 3.62 hr) binary QS Vir (EC 13471-1258) revealed regular narrow X-ray eclipses when the white dwarf passed behind its M2-4 dwarf companion. The X-ray emission provides a clear signature of mass transfer and accretion onto the white dwarf. The low-resolution XMM-Newton EPIC spectra are consistent with a cooling flow model and indicate an accretion rate of Mdot= 1.7\times10^-13M\odot/yr. At 48 pc distant, QS Vir is then the second nearest accreting cataclysmic variable known, with one of the lowest accretion rates fou…
Among the competing evolution theories for subdwarf-B (sdB) stars is the binary evolution scenario. EC~20117-4014 (=V4640~Sgr) is a spectroscopic binary system consisting of a pulsating sdB star and a late F main-sequence companion (O'Donoghue et al. 1997), however the period and the orbit semi-major axes have not been precisely determined. This paper presents orbital characteristics of the EC 20117-4014 binary system using 20 years of photometric data. Periodic Observed minus Calculated (O-C) variations were detected in the two highest amplitude pulsations identified in the EC 20117-4014 powe…
Binary systems of a hot subdwarf B (sdB) star + a white dwarf (WD) with orbital periods less than 2-3 hours can come into contact due to gravitational waves and transfer mass from the sdB star to the WD before the sdB star ceases nuclear burning and contracts to become a WD. Motivated by the growing class of observed systems in this category, we study the phases of mass transfer in these systems. We find that because the residual outer hydrogen envelope accounts for a large fraction of an sdB star's radius, sdB stars can spend a significant amount of time ($\sim$10s of Myr) transferring this s…
Close double neutron stars have been observed as Galactic radio pulsars, while their mergers have been detected as gamma-ray bursts and gravitational-wave sources. They are believed to have experienced at least one common-envelope episode during their evolution prior to double neutron star formation. In the last decades there have been numerous efforts to understand the details of the common-envelope phase, but its computational modelling remains challenging. We present and discuss the properties of the donor and the binary at the onset of the Roche-lobe overflow leading to these common-envelo…
Blue large-amplitude pulsators (BLAPs) are a newly discovered type of variable star. Their typical pulsation periods are on the order of a few tens of minutes, with relatively large amplitudes of 0.2-0.4 mag in optical bands, and their rates of period changes are on the order of $10^{-7} yr^{-1}$ (both positive and negative). They are extremely rare objects and attempts to explain their origins and internal structures have attracted a great deal of attention. Previous studies have proposed that BLAPs may be pre-white dwarfs, with masses around $0.3M_\odot$, or core-helium-burning stars in the …
HD149404 is an evolved non-eclipsing O-star binary that has previously undergone a Roche lobe overflow interaction. Understanding some key properties of the system requires a determination of the orbital inclination and of the dimensions of the components. The BRITE-Heweliusz satellite was used to collect photometric data of HD149404. Additional photometry was retrieved from the SMEI archive. These data were analysed using a suite of period search tools. The orbital part of the lightcurve was modelled with the nightfall binary star code. The Gaia-DR2 parallax of HD149404 was used to provide ad…
We have revisited the sdB+K-star long-period binary PG 1018-047 based on 20 new high-resolution VLT/UVES spectra that provided regular coverage over a period of more than 26 months. We refine the period and establish that the orbit is significantly eccentric ($P=751.6\pm1.9\rm{d}$ and $e=0.049\pm0.008$). A simultaneous fit derived from the narrow metal lines visible in the spectrum of the sdB star and the metal lines in the red part of the spectrum that originate from the companion provides the mass ratio, $M_{\rm MS}/M_{\rm sdB} = 1.52 \pm 0.04$, for the system. From an NLTE model atmosphere …
Helium-burning hot subdwarf stars of spectral types O and B (sdO/B) are thought to be produced through various types of binary interaction. The helium-rich hot subdwarf star EC22536-5304 was recently found to be extremely enriched in lead. Here, we show that EC22536-5304 is a binary star with a metal-poor subdwarf F-type (sdF) companion. We have performed a detailed analysis of high-resolution SALT/HRS and VLT/UVES spectra, deriving metal abundances for the hot subdwarf, as well as atmospheric parameters for both components. Because we consider the contribution of the sdF star, the derived lea…
Binary population synthesis predicts the existence of subdwarf B stars (sdBs) with neutron star (NS) or black hole (BH) companions. We systematically investigate the formation of sdB+NS binaries from binary evolution and aim to obtain some clues for a search for such systems. We started from a series of MS+NS systems and determined the parameter spaces for producing sdB+NS binaries from the stable Roche-lobe overflow (RLOF) channel and from the common envelope (CE) ejection channel. Various NS accretion efficiencies and NS masses were examined to investigate the effects they have. We show the …
The predicted orbital-period distribution of the subdwarf-B (sdB) population is bi-modal with a peak at short (< 10 days) and long (> 500 days) periods. Observationally, many short-period sdB systems are known, but only few wide sdB binaries have been studied in detail. Based on a long-term monitoring program the wide sdB sample has been increased, finding an unexpected correlation between the eccentricity and period. In this article we present the orbital solution and spectral analysis of four new systems, BD-7.5977, EC11031-1348, TYC2084-448-1 and TYC3871-835-1, and update the orbital soluti…
The stability of mass transfer in binaries with convective giant donors remains an open question in modern astrophysics. There is a significant discrepancy between what the existing methods predict for a response to mass loss of the giant itself, as well as for the mass transfer rate during the Roche lobe overflow. Here we show that the recombination energy in the superadiabatic layer plays an important and hitherto unaccounted-for role in he donor's response to mass loss, in particular on its luminosity and effective temperature. Our improved optically thick nozzle method to calculate the mas…
The project Massive Unseen Companions to Hot Faint Underluminous Stars from SDSS (MUCHFUSS) aims at finding hot subdwarf stars with massive compact companions like massive white dwarfs (M>1.0 M$_\odot$), neutron stars, or stellar-mass black holes. We present orbital and atmospheric parameters and put constraints on the nature of the companions of 12 close hot subdwarf B star (sdB) binaries found in the course of the MUCHFUSS project. The systems show periods between 0.14 and 7.4 days. Three systems most likely have white dwarf companions. SDSS J083006.17+475150.3 is likely to be a rare example…
We present the discovery of the hot subdwarf B star (sdB) binary PTF1 J082340.04+081936.5. The system has an orbital period P$_{\rm orb}=87.49668(1)$ min (0.060761584(10) days), making it the second-most compact sdB binary known. The lightcurve shows ellipsoidal variations. Under the assumption that the sdB primary is synchronized with the orbit, we find a mass $M_{\rm sdB}=0.45^{+0.09}_{-0.07}$ M$_\odot$, a companion white dwarf mass $M_{\rm WD}=0.46^{+0.12}_{-0.09}$ M$_\odot$ and a mass ratio $q = \frac{M_{\rm WD}}{M_{\rm sdB}}=1.03^{+0.10}_{-0.08}$. The future evolution was calculated using…
The recent discovery of long-period, low magnetic field pulsars in low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs) represents a challenge for the standard evolutionary scenario. These pulsars have a magnetic field strength comparable to that of millisecond pulsars ($\sim 10^8 - 10^9$ G), but their period is at least an order of magnitude longer. We discuss the origin of this new class of pulsars within the standard picture of LMXBs formation and apply our results to the case of IGR J17480-2446. The magnetothermal evolution of the binary system is studied numerically by taking into account the effect of differ…
The origin of chemically peculiar stars and non-zero eccentricity in evolved close binaries have been long-standing problems in binary stellar evolution. Answers to these questions may trace back to an intense mass transfer during AGB binary phase. In this work, we use AstroBEAR to solve the 3D radiation-hydrodynamic equations and calculate the mass transfer rate in asymptotic-giant-branch (AGB) binaries that undergo the wind-Roche-lobe-overflow or Bondi-Hoyle-Lyttleton (BHL) accretion. MESA produces the density and temperature of the boundary condition of the AGB star. To improve the resoluti…
Stripped-envelope stars (SESs) form in binary systems after losing mass through Roche-lobe overflow. They bear astrophysical significance as sources of UV and ionizing radiation in older stellar populations and, if sufficiently massive, as stripped supernova progenitors. Binary evolutionary models predict them to be common, but only a handful of subdwarfs (i.e., SESs) with B-type companions are known. This could be the result of observational biases hindering detection, or an incorrect understanding of binary evolution. We reanalyze the well-studied post-interaction binary phi Persei. Recently…
