The Applegate mechanism in Post-Common-Envelope Binaries: Investigating the role of rotation

Abstract

Eclipsing time variations (ETVs) are observed in many close binary systems. In particular, for several post-common-envelope binaries (PCEBs) that consist of a white dwarf and a main sequence star, the O-C diagram suggests that real or apparent orbital period variations are driven by Jupiter-mass planets or as a result of magnetic activity, the so-called Applegate mechanism. The latter explains orbital period variations as a result of changes in the stellar quadrupole moment due to magnetic activity. We explore the feasibility of driving ETVs via the Applegate mechanism for a sample of PCEB systems, including a range of different rotations. Using the MESA code we evolve 12 stars with different masses and rotation rates. We apply a simple dynamo model to their radial profiles to investigate on which scale the predicted activity cycle matches the observed modulation period, and quantify the uncertainty, and further calculate the required energies to drive que Applegate mechanism. We show that the Applegate mechanism is energetically feasible in 5 PCEB systems, and note that these are the systems with the highest rotation rate compared to the critical rotation rate of the main-sequence star. The results suggest that the ratio of physical to critical rotation in the main sequence star is an important indicator for the feasibility of Applegate's mechanism, but exploring larger samples will be necessary to probe this hypothesis.

arXiv comment9 pages, 5 figures. Accepted for publication in A&A

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• Magnetic field evolution of the K2 dwarf V471 Tau
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• Variability of eclipse timing:the case of V471 Tauri
• Investigating the System Configuration of Kepler-451 through Orbital Period Variations: Dynamical and Magnetic Interpretations