Topics in the Theory of Cataclysmic Variables and X-Ray Binaries

Abstract

The author discusses various aspects of the accretion process onto compact objects. He concentrates mainly on theoretical topics associated with cataclysmic variables (CVs). This class of objects, which consists typically of a white dwarf and a low mass main sequence star in a short period binary system, offers probably the best opportunity for attempts to understand the accretion process in close binaries. The fact that the timescales involved in CVs range typically from seconds to months has made them relatively easy targets for multi-wavelength observations. The author discusses the physics of mass transfer, the accretion process, and accretion disks, dwarf nova eruptions, some aspects of common envelope evolution, and presents several topics in nova theory. He discusses topics related to the evolution of CVs and explores the possible connections of CVs to accretion induced collapses and type I supernovae.