Tides in differentially rotating convective envelopes. II - The tidal coupling

Abstract

The current investigation represents the continuation of an analysis conducted by Scharlemann (1981) concerning the tidal coupling in close binaries with parameters characteristic of RSCVn systems. Tidal coupling is of interest because it is unavoidable in close binaries. The tidal torque is considered along with the corotation latitude, and the suppression of differential rotation by tides. Observation tests are also discussed. It is pointed out that RSCVn binary systems are particularly useful systems for testing the predictions of tidal theory. The active stars in the systems are detached, and nearly synchronously rotating, so that tides are a small amplitude, low velocity phenomenon.