Gravitational wave emission by cataclysmic variables: Numerical models of semi-detached binaries

Abstract

Gravitational wave emission is considered to be the driving force for the evolution of short-period cataclysmic binary stars, making them a potential test for the validity of general relativity. In spite of continuous refinements of the physical description, a 10 per cent mismatch exists between the theoretical minimum period (Pturn ≃ 70 min) and the short-period cut-off (Pmin ≃ 80 min) observed in the period distribution for cataclysmic variable binaries. A possible explanation for this mismatch was associated with the use of the Roche model. We present here a systematic comparison between self-consistent, numerically constructed sequences of hydrostatic models of binary stars and Roche models of semi-detached binaries. On the basis of our approach, we also derive a value for the minimum period of cataclysmic variable binaries. The results obtained by the comparison indicate that the Roche model is indeed very good, with deviations from the numerical solution which are of a few per cent at most. Our results therefore suggest that additional sources of angular momentum loss or alternative explanations need to be considered in order to justify the mismatch.