OB-type binaries: models versus observations

J. Figueiredo, J.-P. De Greve, R. W. Hilditch

Abstract
Recently published models on close binary evolution for massive stars (M > 5M_☉) are compared to a set of detached and semidetached ON binaries.
For the majority of the detached systems, we find good correspondence between theoretical and observed characteristics for stars with masses between 4.5M_☉ and 17M_☉.
We explore the origin of semidetached systems, and discuss anomalies between models and observed characteristics. An initial mass ratio of around 0.6 seems to be preferred for this group.
Finally, we briefly examine a number of massive (marginal) contact systems. The latter systems all seem to evolve according to case A of mass transfer.

Keywords
stars: evolution - binaries: close - stars: early-type - stars: fundamental parameters

Astronomy and Astrophysics
Volume 283, Page 144
March 1994

ADS Bibliographic code: 1994A&A...283..144F