Michigan Technological University
Department of Physics
is pleased to announce a colloquium
with
Harry Leckenby
Physics Graduate Student
Michigan Technological University
Modifying the Wilson-Devinney Light Curve Analysis Program to Model Cataclysmic Variable Binary Stars
Cataclysmic variable stars, also known as dwarf novae, are close binary star systems. While most stars are part of multistar systems, CV’s are noteworthy because the two stars are so close together that material is forced from one star onto the other. An accurate model for a cataclysmic variable system would allow a deeper investigation into the material revealed by the light curves obtained. The Simpson SPH model can be used in this way, if it is integrated into an existing light curve analysis program such as Wilson-Devinney. My goal is to use a SPH (smoothed particle hydrodynamic) accretion disk model to generate the light curve of the disk, and to adapt the Wilson-Devinney program to also generate solutions for binary systems with accretion disks. This new program will be used to determine likely solution sets to a specific class of objects, cataclysmic variables.
Thursday, January 13, 2000
4:00 p.m. Fisher Hall 139
Refreshments will be served