Magnetic pumping in the cataclysmic variable AE Aquarii

Kuijpers, J.M.E., Fletcher, L. , Abada-Simon, M., Horne, K.D., Raadu, M.A., Ramsay, G. and Steeghs, D. (1997) Magnetic pumping in the cataclysmic variable AE Aquarii. Astronomy and Astrophysics, 322, pp. 242-255.

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Abstract

We propose that the radio outbursts of the cataclysmic variable AE Aqr are caused by eruptions of bubbles of fast particles from a magnetosphere surrounding the white dwarf. We investigate the acceleration process of magnetic pumping in the magnetosphere which is periodically driven both by the relative motion with the companion and with the infalling spray of gas at the spin frequency of the white dwarf. As the accretion rate is relatively low, the conversion of spin energy into acceleration (rather than heating) of electrons and protons can be efficient. The accelerated particles are trapped in the white dwarf magnetosphere until their total energy content becomes comparable to that of the trapping magnetic field structure and a MHD instability sets in. Synchrotron radiation is emitted in the expelled expanding plasmoid at radio and down to millimetric wavelengths. We find that there is sufficient energy transferred from the rotation energy of the rapidly-spinning white dwarf to fast particles by magnetic pumping to explain quiescent and flaring radio emissions.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Fletcher, Professor Lyndsay
Authors: Kuijpers, J.M.E., Fletcher, L., Abada-Simon, M., Horne, K.D., Raadu, M.A., Ramsay, G., and Steeghs, D.
Subjects:Q Science > QB Astronomy
Q Science > QC Physics
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy
Research Group:Astronomy and Astrophysics
Journal Name:Astronomy and Astrophysics
Publisher:EDP Sciences
ISSN:0004-6361
ISSN (Online):1432-0746
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 1997 EDP Sciences
First Published:First published in Astronomy and Astrophysics 322:242-255
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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