An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics · Problem 18.31

Physical Processes in the Solar System — Carroll & Ostlie

Physics — Astrophysics · statstar-mass-transfer-rate-overlap

Problem

(a) Use the StatStar model data on page 283 and Eq. (18.14) to make a graph of

\log_{10}\dot{M}

(vertical axis) vs.

\log_{10} d

(horizontal axis). Use the slope of your graph to find how the mass transfer rate,

\dot{M}

, depends on

d

. (b) Use Eqs. (L.1) and (L.2) to show that

\dot{M} \propto d^{4.75}

near the surface, and so verify that the mass transfer rate increases rapidly with the overlap distance

d

of two stars. Note that your answer to part (a) will be slightly different from this because of the density-dependence of tog\_bf (the ratio of the guillotine factor to the gaunt factor) calculated in the Opacity routine.

Related theory

Mass To Mass Stoichiometry

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