paper

A systematic study of spiral density waves in the accretion discs of Cataclysmic Variables

arXiv:1910.12089 · doi:10.1093/mnras/stz2992

Abstract

Spiral density waves are thought to be excited in the accretion discs of accreting compact objects, including Cataclysmic Variable stars (CVs). Observational evidence has been obtained for a handful of systems in outburst over the last two decades. We present the results of a systematic study searching for spiral density waves in CVs, and report their detection in two of the sixteen observed systems. While most of the systems observed present asymmetric, non-Keplerian accretion discs during outburst, the presence of ordered structures interpreted as spiral density waves is not as ubiquitous as previously anticipated. From a comparison of systems by their system parameters it appears that inclination of the systems may play a major role, favouring the visibility and/or detection of spiral waves in systems seen at high inclination.

42 pages, 12 figures, 5 tables, 5 appendices

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