Common envelope evolution and Li in V471 Tauri.

Martin, E. L.; Pavlenko, Y.; Rebolo, R.
Referencia bibliográfica

Astronomy and Astrophysics, v.326, p.731-735

Fecha de publicación:
10
1997
Número de autores
3
Número de autores del IAC
1
Número de citas
12
Número de citas referidas
11
Descripción
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.