Semidetached Systems - Evolutionary Viewpoints and Observational Constraints

Abstract

The present knowledge on the evolution of semidetached systems is reviewed. Characteristics of observed systems are discussed and general properties tested by the behaviour of theoretical models. New models of mass accreting companion stars are computed. The accretion phase is divided into a fast and slow phase with an accretion rate depending on the initial mass of the mass losing star and on the initial mass ratio, assuming the systems are undergoing a case B of mass transfer. The results are compared with observed systems with masses of the gainers located within the theoretical range. Up to now no computations exist for the evolution of medium mass close binaries including overshooting of the convective core. However some of the influences of extended convective mixing on the interaction of close binaries are investigated. A larger probability for the occurrence of case A of mass exchange and a larger remnant mass at the end of the process are the most important results. Finally the investigation into the origin of individual systems (in mass, mass ratio and period) is discussed, showing that progress both in observations and in theoretical models result in a more detailed and more restricted determination of the initial parameters of the individual systems.