Evolutionary models of the optical component of the LMC X-1/Star 32 binary system

TL;DR

This paper models the evolution of Star 32 in the LMC X-1 binary system, constraining its current mass and age through stellar wind assumptions, aligning well with previous orbital data.

Contribution

It provides new evolutionary constraints on Star 32's mass and age, improving understanding of its development in the binary system.

Findings

Current mass of Star 32 is between 31 and 35.5 solar masses.

Initial mass of Star 32 was between 35 and 40 solar masses.

System age is estimated at 3.7 to 4.0 million years.

Abstract

Calculations carried out to model the evolution of Star 32 under different assumptions about the stellar wind mass-loss rate provide robust limits on the present mass of the star. The obtained range is 31 to 35.5 Msun, which is in very good agreement with the orbital solution of Orosz et al., namely 28.3 to 35.3 Msun. The initial mass of Star 32 had to be in the range 35 to 40 Msun and the present age of the system is 3.7 to 4.0 Myr.