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1997•International Astronomical Union ColloquiumOpen access

The Effect of the Nova Explosion on the Evolution of Cataclysmic Variables

T. Naylor, M. W. Somers

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Abstract

Classical nova outbursts are thermonuclear explosions on the surfaces of the white dwarfs in cataclysmic variables. The explosion heats the surface layers of the white dwarf, which are expected to cool on a timescale of a hundred years. The hot white dwarf should have two obvious effects on the system. (1) It will heat the surface of the accretion disc and secondary star, increasing the overall luminosity of the system. (2) By irradiating the surface of the secondary star it may bloat it and drive more mass transfer, thus again increasing the overall luminosity.

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What this paper is about

Classical nova outbursts are thermonuclear explosions on the surfaces of the white dwarfs in cataclysmic variables. The explosion heats the surface layers of the white dwarf, which are expected to cool on a timescale of a hundred years. The hot white dwarf should have two obvious effects on the system. (1) It will heat the surface of the accretion disc and secondary star, increasing the overall luminosity of the system. (2) By irradiating the surface of the secondary star it may bloat it and drive more mass transfer, thus again increasing the overall luminosity.

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Available abstract

Classical nova outbursts are thermonuclear explosions on the surfaces of the white dwarfs in cataclysmic variables. The explosion heats the surface layers of the white dwarf, which are expected to cool on a timescale of a hundred years. The hot white dwarf should have two obvious effects on the system. (1) It will heat the surface of the accretion disc and secondary star, increasing the overall luminosity of the system. (2) By irradiating the surface of the secondary star it may bloat it and drive more mass transfer, thus again increasing the overall luminosity.

Key concepts: White dwarf, Cataclysmic variable star, Nova (rocket), Thermonuclear fusion, Astrophysics, Physics, Luminosity, Intermediate polar

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