Thermal-timescale mass transfer and magnetic CVs

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We investigate the spin evolution of the unusual magnetic CV AE Aqr. As a prototype for a potentially large population of CVs subject to a thermally unstable phase of mass transfer, understanding its future is crucial. We present a new definition of the magnetospheric radius in terms of the white dwarf's spin period, and use this along with numerical simulations to follow the spin evolution of AE Aqr. We also present preliminary SPH results suggesting the existence of a stable propeller state. These results highlight the complexity of mCVs and may provide am improved understanding of the evolution of all types of CVs.
7 pages, 6 figures; to appear in 'Magnetic Cataclysmic Variables' Proceedings of IAU Colloquium 190, December 2002, Capetown, South Africa, ASP Conference Series, eds. M. Cropper & S. Vrielmann

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