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| Paper: |
The Evolution of Cataclysmic Variables |
| Volume: |
447, Evolution of Compact Binaries |
| Page: |
3 |
| Authors: |
Knigge, C. |
| Abstract: |
I review our current understanding of the evolution of cataclysmic
variables (CVs). I first
provide a brief introductory “CV primer,” in
which I describe the physical structure of CVs, as well as their
astrophysical significance. The main part of the review is divided
into three parts. The first part outlines the theoretical principles of CV
evolution, focusing specifically on the standard “disrupted magnetic
braking” model. The second part describes how some of the most fundamental
predictions this model are at last being test
observationally. Finally, the third part describes recent efforts to
actually reconstruct the evolution path of CVs empirically. Some of
these efforts suggest that angular momentum loss below the period gap
must be enhanced relative to the purely gravitational-radiation-driven
losses assumed in the standard model. |
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