On the Influence of Magnetic Field on Accretion Processes in CVs

We consider the influence of such parameters as the value of the proper magnetic field Ba and the spin-rotation velocity of the white dwarf on accretion processes in CVs. The results of 3D MHD simulations have shown that the accretion rate is a non-monotonic function of Ba: with growing Ba it raises in the intermediate polars and decreases in the polars. The maximal accretion rate occurs in the systems, transiting from the stage of intermediate polars to polars; it’s value reaches 60% of the initially set mass transfer rate. We have also shown that the acretion rate decreases with the growingspin-rotation velocity of the white dwarf

Colliding Winds in Low-Mass Binary Star Systems: wind interactions and implications for habitable planets

Context. In binary star systems, the winds from the two components impact each other, leading to strong shocks and regions of enhanced density and temperature. Potentially habitable circumbinary planets must continually be exposed to these interactions regions. Aims. We study, for the first time, the interactions between winds from low-mass stars in a binary system, to show the wind conditions seen by potentially habitable circumbinary planets. Methods. We use the advanced 3D numerical hydrodynamic code Nurgush to model the wind interactions of two identical winds from two solar mass stars with circular orbits and a binary separation of 0.5 AU. As input into this model, we use a 1D hydrodynamic simulation of the solar wind, run using the Versatile Advection Code. We derive the locations of stable and habitable orbits in this system to explore what wind conditions potentially habitable planets will be exposed to during their orbits. Results. Our wind interaction simulations result in the formation of two strong shock waves separated by a region of enhanced density and temperature. The wind-wind interaction region has a spiral shape due to Coriolis forces generated by the orbital motions of the two stars. The stable and habitable zone in this system extends from approximately 1.4 AU to 2.4 AU. (TRUNCATED)Comment: 15 pages, 11 figures, to be published in A&