Abstract Some properties of mass transfer within a semi-detached binary system are discussed based on an example of VV Vir. The observations and analysis of VV Vir show that it is a semi-detached binary system with the less massive cooler component filling its Roche lobe, which is also called an Algol-type binary system. Based on the parameters of this semi-detached binary, a theoretical study on the mass flow is carried out, including the trajectory of the mass flow, the position, radius and temperature of the impact spot caused by the mass flow, the inconsistent form of the mass flow and the possibly huge rate of energy transfer carried by the mass flow. Humps and distortions in light curves of VV Vir are deemed to be weak evidence for the theoretical results.
Keywords binaries: eclipsing — stars: individual (VV Vir) — techniques: photometric
It accepts original submissions from all over the world and is internationally published and distributed by IOP