Evolutionary and Statistical Studies of Close Binary Stars

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Webbink, Ronald AST 96-18462 Dr. Webbink will carry out a program of research on the evolution of binary stars through studies of the loss of systemic angular momentum. His theoretical research program, in collaboration with researchers at the Australian National University, will examine the phenomenon of magnetic braking thought to drive angular momentum loss, particularly the dependence of stellar wind mass loss rate on surface magnetic field strength, and of magnetic field strength on stellar rotation rate. He will also investigate the case of accretion onto strongly magnetic white dwarfs, the effects of heating of the donor star by the white dwarf and accretion disk, and the effects of white dwarf mass loss in novae explosions. In addition, he plans to publish a catalog of close binary systems as an aid to further study of the systems, and to use it for population synthesis studies and a search for high proper-motion eclipsing binaries that can be used for the determination of fundamental stellar parameters. ***