On the Periods and Nature of Superhumps

Abstract

It is commonly accepted that the periods of superhumps can be satisfactorily explained within a model involving apsidal motion of the accretion disk provided the frequency of the apsidal motion in addition to the dynamical term includes also the pressure effects. Using a larger sample of systems with reliable mass ratios it is shown, however, that this view is not true and the model requires further modifications.

arXiv commentSubmitted to "Acta Astronomica"