Science Colloquium
Formation and Evolution of Cataclysmic Variables
Jonas Goliasch
Bishop's University
Thursday, February 16, 2006
12:00 - 12:50 PM
Johnson Room 20
Cataclysmic Variables constitute an exotic type of binary system where a low-mass star is being stripped of its matter by a white dwarf companion. These systems are rich in physics. Most systems contain accretion disks and the matter settling on the surface of the white dwarf stars is prone to undergo thermonuclear explosions (Classical Novae). Their evolution is primarily governed by gravitational radiation reaction and magnetic braking. The formation of these systems will be discussed and it will be shown that their observed "ensemble" properties can be well understood using population synthesis techniques that simulate their birth and final demise.
