Astron. Astrophys. 326, 161-164 (1997)

On the surface condition for stationary contact binaries

H. Kähler

Hamburger Sternwarte, Gojenbergsweg 112, D-21029 Hamburg, Germany

Received 4 March 1997 / Accepted 4 March 1997

Abstract

The surface condition for stationary contact binaries is discussed, and the criticism of Hazlehurst in the preceding paper is commented.

Key words: stars: binaries: close

Contents

• 1. Introduction
• 2. Discussion
  • 2.1. Basic equations
  • 2.2. The Roche equipotential condition
  • 2.3. Properties of the velocity field on the surface
  • 2.4. Bernoulli's equation
  • 2.5. The rôle of the Coriolis forces
  • 2.6. The Jacobi energy assumption
  • 2.7. The surface condition
  • 2.8. A criterion for approximate Roche geometry
  • 2.9. Uncertainties in the surface condition
  • 2.10. Concluding remarks
• References

© European Southern Observatory (ESO) 1997

Online publication: April 20, 1998
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