Numerical simulation of mass transfer in eccentric orbit binary systems

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Abstract
In this paper we present the results of simulations of mass transfer by ‘tidal-lobe’ overflow in a highly eccentric binary system. These computations correct and extend earlier work by Haynes, Lerche & Wright; in particular we include some fluid mechanical effects in our simulations. The binary system parameters chosen for the computations presented here are relevant to the recurrent X-ray transient source, A0538-66. We discuss the implications of these simulations for models of this source. The important predictions of these experiments are that mass transfer in a highly eccentric binary system will occur only when the outer layers of the mass-losing star are in rapid rotation, and in certain situations mass transfer is accompanied by considerable mass loss from the binary system.

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