Bibcode
Martin, E. L.; Pavlenko, Y.; Rebolo, R.
Bibliographical reference
Astronomy and Astrophysics, v.326, p.731-735
Advertised on:
10
1997
Journal
Citations
12
Refereed citations
11
Description
We have observed the spectral regions around the LiI resonance 670.8nm
and subordinate 610.4nm lines of V471 Tau. This is an eclipsing post
common-envelope (CE) binary system. A revision of several independent
measurements of the parallax and proper motion of V471 Tau allow us to
argue that this system is indeed a Hyades cluster member by examining
and rejecting earlier, flawed results. Using spectral synthesis and
taking into account NLTE effects, we have derived a photospheric Li
abundance of log N(Li)=2.35+/-0.25 for the K dwarf, which is a factor
>100 higher than single Hyades members of the same mass. We argue
that two mechanisms are responsible for this: a) Accretion of a
substantial amount of Li-rich material onto the K dwarf during CE
evolution inside the giant precursor of the white dwarf. Recently, a
number of Li-rich giants have been observed and they appear to undergo
large mass-loss. We speculate that CE evolution could actually explain
the properties of these giants as well. b) Reduced Li depletion in the K
dwarf due to sustained fast rotation in a short-period tidally-locked
orbit. This process accounts for the preservation of Li after CE
evolution has ceased.