Cataclysmic variables in Globular clusters: First results on the analysis of the MOCCA simulations database

TL;DR

This study uses MOCCA simulations to analyze the formation and properties of cataclysmic variables in globular clusters, highlighting the importance of dynamical interactions and observational biases.

Contribution

First analysis of MOCCA simulation data showing dynamical interactions are essential for cataclysmic variable formation in globular clusters.

Findings

No CVs formed solely by binary evolution with standard parameters

Most CVs are in late evolutionary stages

Observational biases significantly affect CV detection

Abstract

In this first investigation of the MOCCA database with respect to cataclysmic variables, we found that for models with Kroupa initial distributions, considering the standard value of the efficiency of the common-envelope phase adopted in BSE, no single cataclysmic variable was formed only via binary stellar evolution, i. e., in order to form them, strong dynamical interactions have to take place. Our results also indicate that the population of cataclysmic variables in globular clusters are, mainly, in the last stage of their evolution and observational selection effects can change drastically the expected number and properties of observed cataclysmic variables.