Online Archive of University of Virginia Scholarship
Tidal Resonances in Eccentric White Dwarf Binaries187 views
Author
McKeever, Ethan, Astronomy, University of Virginia
Advisors
Arras, Phil, Astronomy, University of Virginia
Abstract
Tidal effects play a significant role in the orbital evolution of compact white dwarf binaries and these effects change significantly with eccentric orbits. I calculate the tidal responses and orbital evolution in close eccentric white dwarf binaries inspiraling due to gravitational wave emission. We find that in a constant time lag model that white dwarf spin rates approach a pseudosynchronous spin rate, that tidal heating rates have a clear shape depending on the eccentricity and spin rates of the white dwarfs, and that the frequency evolution index increases significantly near merger due to tidal effects. In a g-mode tidal model, I calculate the tidal response in specific models of Helium and Carbon-Oxygen white dwarfs. I show clear resonances in the white dwarf spin rate and tidal heating levels.
Degree
BS (Bachelor of Science)
Keywords
White Dwarfs; Tides; Gravitational Waves; Astrophysics
McKeever, Ethan. Tidal Resonances in Eccentric White Dwarf Binaries. University of Virginia, Astronomy, BS (Bachelor of Science), 2023-05-12, https://doi.org/10.18130/f6s2-bq78.
