Coupling of dual mass-transferring white dwarf binaries as a variable gravitational-wave emitter. Issue 4 (6th July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Seto, Naoki
• Is Part Of: Monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. Volume 496:Issue 4(2020)
• Page Start: 5575
• Page End: 5583
• Publication Date: 2020-07-06
• Subjects: gravitational waves -- celestial mechanics -- stars: kinematics and dynamics -- binaries: close; Astronomy -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 520.5
• DOI: 10.1093/mnras/staa1938
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0035-8711

Abstract

ABSTRACT: We study evolution of a hierarchical four-body (2 + 2) system composed by a pair of mass-transferring white dwarf binaries. Applying a simplified model around the synchronous state of two inner orbital periods, we newly find that the four-body system could settle down to a limit cycle with a small period gap. The period gap generates an amplitude variation of emitted gravitational waves as a beat effect. Depending on model parameters, the beat period could be 1–10 yr and a large amplitude variation might be observed by space gravitational-wave detectors.