Stellar Wind of Components of Detached Binary Systems

TL;DR

This paper investigates how stellar winds influence matter exchange in detached binary systems, proposing classifications, analytical conditions, and 3D models to understand wind interactions and accretion processes.

Contribution

It introduces a classification of close binary systems with stellar wind interactions and provides analytical criteria and 3D simulations for understanding wind-driven accretion.

Findings

Established conditions for self-induced stellar winds in X-ray binaries.

Derived criteria for accretion disk formation from stellar wind.

Confirmed wind focusing through simulations matching observed X-ray light curves.

Abstract

The paper is devoted to the consideration of the role of the donor stellar wind in the matter exchange between the components of detached binary systems. A classification of close binary systems with interacting components is proposed. A list of potential donors and accretors of such systems, including X-ray binary and symbiotic stars, is given. Analytical tasks have been completed to evaluate the conditions and efficiency of interaction through the stellar wind, a criterion was found for maintaining the self-induced stellar wind of X-ray binaries, and a condition for the formation of an accretion disk during accretion of stellar wind matter by a compact accretor. Three-dimensional gas dynamic models of component interaction are constructed for the five initial velocities of the stellar wind using the example of Sco X-1 type systems. The simulation results are illustrated by pictures of streamlines, temperature distribution, and wind gas densities in the orbital and frontal planes. Model focusing of the donor wind flow by the accretor is confirmed by the observed phase X-ray light curve of Vela X-1.