Select Topics in Mass Transfer and Magnetic Braking

• Author / Creator

  Van, Kenny

• In this thesis we investigate a novel binary formation channel with a semi- degenerate donor and examine the stability criteria in binary systems with a massive donor. First we will review the current basics in the understanding of binary systems along with where recent research has been moving in this area. Following this we will review the implementation of these theories in the binary evolution code used throughout the rest of the thesis. We then apply this code to a novel binary formation scenario involving a black hole and a semi-degenerate donor. The key difference in this formation channel and previous work is the amount lost during dynamical encounter. Following this, we investigate the stability of mass transfer in massive donors. We find that should the onset of mass transfer occur between two key points of instability in a massive star’s evolution, the mass transfer in the system is stable. This has dramatic effects on the formation rate of possible black hole-black hole mergers and may instead be a possible formation channel for ultra luminous X-ray sources. Finally we go over the assumptions made in this work and how these affect the reliability of the results presented.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Binary Evolution
  • Mass Transfer
  • Astrophysics
  • Magnet Braking

• Graduation date

  Fall 2017

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Science

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R3ZW19628

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.