arXiv subjects

Li-Ying Zhu

Publications and source records attributed to Li-Ying Zhu.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Eclipse Properties and Superhump Evolution in the SU UMa-Type Dwarf Nova Z Cha

The advent of large-scale time-domain surveys provides both opportunities and challenges for understanding accretion disk evolution in cataclysmic variables (CVs). Using high-cadence photometry from the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), we investigate the eclipsing SU UMa-type dwarf nova Z Cha. Leveraging eclipses as a natural probe, we examine the evolution of the accretion disk through variations in eclipse depth, O--C of eclipse minima, and positive superhump (PSH) amplitude. During superoutbursts, all three quantities exhibit quasi-periodic modulations with a common period of $\sim$2 days, consistent with the precession period of an eccentric disk. We interpret these correlated variations as evidence of an eccentric, precessing disk: O--C traces the periodic shift of the system's brightness center, while eclipse depth and PSH amplitude vary with the orientation of the disk bulge relative to the line of sight. In quiescence (Sectors 13 and 93), PSHs with periods of $\sim$0.0762 days show linearly decreasing amplitudes and periods, indicating gradual shrinkage of the eccentric disk and a slowing precession. Remarkably, a coherent signal with a period of $\sim$0.0729~days ($\epsilon^{-}\approx-0.02$) appears in the same quiescent intervals. This signal may represent negative superhumps (NSHs) coexisting with PSHs, although an orbital sideband of the PSH cannot presently be excluded with the available data. If confirmed as NSHs, their coexistence with PSHs would challenge the classical tilted-disk model, and could be explained by retrograde apsidal precession of an eccentric disk, where the inner disk precesses retrogradely (NSHs) and the outer disk progradely (PSHs); this interpretation remains to be tested by further observations.

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arXiv2026

KIC 6464285: A Solar-type Eclipsing Binary in a Hierarchical Triple System with Quasi-periodic Out-of-eclipse Modulations

We present the first detailed analysis of the solar-type triple system KIC 6464285. Combining long-term, high-precision photometry from Kepler, TESS, and ZTF with low-resolution spectra from LAMOST and near-infrared high-resolution spectra from SDSS/APOGEE, we performed a joint analysis of the light curves, eclipse timing variations (ETVs), and radial velocities. Spectroscopic analysis reveals the system to be triple-lined, with the inner binary's primary being a G-type main-sequence star and a mass ratio of $0.627(7)$. Light curve modeling indicates that the inner binary is detached, with filling factors of approximately 26\% and 11\% for the primary and secondary, respectively, and a tertiary light contribution of about 27\%. ETV analysis shows a significant light-travel-time effect (LTTE), consistent with the presence of the tertiary companion, whose minimum mass is estimated as $M_{3,\rm min}=0.74(1)~M_\odot$. The light curve exhibits a pronounced O'Connell effect and quasi-periodic variations, indicative of starspot activity modulating the photometry on a $\sim$131-day timescale. Kepler observations further reveal 30 superflares, each with total energies exceeding $10^{34}$ erg. This study presents detailed observational constraints on the orbital configuration, stellar properties, and magnetic activity of KIC 6464285, providing a benchmark for studies of hierarchical triple systems.

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arXiv2026

Diversity in Evolutionary Status and Magnetic Activity among Solar-Type Twin Detached Eclipsing Binaries

We present a combined photometric and spectroscopic analysis of four detached eclipsing binaries (KIC 8957954, KIC 10593759, KIC 8302455, and TIC 207398432), all of which exhibit composite G-type spectra and nearly equal mass ratios. Based on survey data and our own observations, we measured radial velocities with the broadening function method, applied the fd3 program for spectral disentangling, and modeled the light curves with the Wilson-Devinney code to determine accurate absolute parameters. The results reveal significant differences in evolutionary stages and magnetic activity despite their nearly equal masses. Both components of KIC 8957954 and KIC 8302455 are on the main sequence; KIC 10593759 has evolved to the subgiant stage; and in TIC 207398432, the secondary has entered the red giant phase. Stronger magnetic activity is observed in KIC 10593759 and TIC 207398432, characterized by rapid O'Connell Effect Ratio variations, with the latter also exhibiting multiple superflare events. In addition, the spectral characteristics of TIC 207398432 suggest that it may be part of a hierarchical triple system. This study provides precise absolute parameters for twin binaries and offers important observational evidence for understanding their evolutionary diversity, magnetic activity, and the possible presence of tertiary companions.

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arXiv2026

Two Potential Exoplanets around A-type Stars Selected from 18 Planetary Candidates

We screen and analyze exoplanet candidates around A-type stars (defined as Teff between 7500 and 10,000 K) observed by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite to evaluate their likelihood of being genuine exoplanets. Our analysis involves transit signal searches, light-curve detrending, estimation of nearby-source contamination, and calculation of false-positive probabilities (FPPs). Among the 18 candidates analyzed, four exhibit relatively low FPP values (<15%). Two candidates are excluded from further analysis due to the lack of stellar parameter data. Six candidates show no clearly detectable transit signals, likely due to shallow or weak features, while six candidates exhibit relatively high FPP values, leaving their authenticity uncertain. Among the four low-FPP targets, two-TIC 48031665 and TIC 259230140-stand out as the most promising. TIC 48031665 shows a very shallow transit signal but has a very low FPP and minimal nearby starlight contamination. TIC 259230140 displays a clear U-shaped transit light curve typical of planetary transits, along with slightly higher yet still low FPP and contamination levels. These two objects are therefore considered the most promising candidates identified in this study.

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arXiv2026

The reason for the occurrence of W-type contact binaries

For more than half a century, the puzzling W-type phenomenon in contact binaries has challenged astrophysicists. In these systems, the less massive component exhibits a higher surface temperature than its more massive companion, which is a reversal of the typical A-type configuration, where the more massive star is hotter. This counterintuitive temperature inversion defies the basic stellar physics and still lacks a widely accepted explanation. In this study, we assembled a sample of over 3,000 extensively observed contact binaries and derived their complete set of physical parameters. Our statistical analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between the occurrence of W-type contact binaries and the intensity and frequency of magnetic activities. This result strongly supports the hypothesis that magnetic activities are the primary driver of the W-type phenomenon and offers a compelling explanation for the observed transitions between the W-type and A-type.

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arXiv2026

HD 26172: an active solar-type subgiant in a close binary system

We present the first comprehensive photometric and spectroscopic analysis of the RS CVn system HD 26172, robustly determining the previously debated evolutionary state of its primary star. Since this system is a single-lined spectroscopic binary with spot-induced light curve modulations, we derived its physical parameters by combining the TESS light curves, the radial velocity curve from our observations, and the primary-star mass estimates based on three complementary methods.Our results reveal that HD 26172 is a detached binary system composed of a $1.25 \pm 0.32 M_{\odot}$ subgiant and a $0.63 \pm 0.11 M_{\odot}$ main-sequence star. The conclusion of subgiant primary is also supported by the absence of lithium absorption and no observed infrared excess. Using long-term photometry from the KWS survey, we detected a tentative stellar activity cycle of 5635 days with an amplitude of 0.04 mag in HD 26172. Additionally, we identified ten optical flare events exhibiting temporally clustered outburst behavior. The presence of a long-term activity cycle, pronounced starspot activity, and frequent optical flares makes HD 26172 a valuable laboratory for studying magnetic activity in subgiants within close binary systems.

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arXiv2025

Tidally Trapped Two-pole Pulsations Discovered in a Close Binary with a Massive $\beta$ Cephei Star

Tidally tilted pulsators (TTPs), whose pulsation axis aligns with the binary's semi-major axis, represent a newly established class of oscillators in binary systems. While all previously known TTPs are either $\delta$ Scuti or subdwarf B-type stars, their existence has remained unidentified in more massive $\beta$ Cephei variables. Here, we report the discovery of tidally trapped pulsations in the massive ellipsoidal variable HD~329379, based on photometry from the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). Our analysis reveals a $\beta$ Cephei pulsator in a 2.25-day orbit whose pulsation mode amplitude is strongly modulated with the orbital frequency. Based on our analysis, we concluded that this modulation can be explained by pulsations with significantly larger amplitude near the star's two tidal poles (apsides). We interpret this as a tidally distorted quadrupole pulsation chariacteristiced by trapped two-pole pulsations, with a pulsation axis aligned with the tidal axis. This represents the first identification of such a pulsation mode in a $\beta$ Cephei star, which differs from single-sided pulsations observed in previous works, marking a rare and important discovery. Our work extends the family of TTPs beyond $\delta$ Scuti and subdwarf B-type stars to include more massive $\beta$ Cephei variables. In particular, the two-pole pulsator HD~329379 stands out as the prototype of a new class of TTPs in massive stars. These results not only provide a new insight to probe the interior structure and evolutionary state for massive stars but also offer a unique opportunity to study the interaction between pulsations and strong tidal distortions.

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arXiv2025

Asteroseismology and Dynamics Reveal Interior Structure and Coeval Evolution in the Triply Post-Main-Sequence system DG Leo

$\delta$ Scuti stars in binary or multiple systems serve as crucial probes for studying stellar pulsation and evolution. However, many such systems are not ideal for asteroseismology due to uncertainties in mass transfer with close companions and the challenges of dynamically measuring all components' physical properties. The triple system DG~Leo, comprising an inner binary and a distant $\delta$ Scuti star, is an ideal target due to its well-separated pulsator. By combining new \textit{TESS} photometry with archival spectroscopy, our dynamical analysis shows that the system's three components share similar masses, radii, and luminosities within errors, occupying coincident Hertzsprung--Russell diagram positions, indicative of coeval evolution. By fitting seven observed $\delta$ Scuti frequencies through asteroseismic modeling with dynamically constrained theoretical grids, we simultaneously trace the pulsating star's evolution and constrain the triple system's evolutionary stage, with the derived fundamental parameters showing consistency with the dynamical solutions. Our analysis reveals that all three components of DG~Leo are in the post-main-sequence phase, with a system age of $0.7664^{+0.1402}_{-0.1258}$~Gyr. Additionally, the $\delta$ Scuti component shows multiple non-radial modes with significant mixed-character frequencies, providing precise constraints on its convective core extent ($R_{\mathrm{cz}}/R = 0.0562^{+0.0137}_{-0.0021}$).

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arXiv2025

The bimodal distribution of donor stars in X-ray binaries

The classification of X-ray binaries into high- and low-mass types has historically lacked a unified, data-driven quantitative criterion, and large-scale statistical studies of the donor star population have been limited. In this work, we address this gap by compiling data for 3,964 XRBs and deriving a plentiful set of physical parameters (mass, radius, age, and evolutionary stage) for a sub-sample of 288 donor stars using Gaia DR3 spectral data and stellar evolution models. We find a statistically bimodal distribution in the donor star parameters, which is characterized by a valley at approximately 3 $M_{\odot}$ or 11,000 K. We uncover the physical mechanism behind this bimodality: a previously unreported ``parallel tracks'' phenomenon observed in the relationship between the donor's evolutionary stage and its fundamental parameters, such as luminosity and radius. These two tracks represent distinct main-sequence populations, and the valley between them corresponds to the sparsely populated pre- and post-main-sequence evolutionary phases.

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arXiv2025

Orbital and Pulsation Analysis of 42 Heartbeat Stars Discovered in TESS Data

Heartbeat stars (HBSs) are ideal laboratories for studying the formation and evolution of binary stars in eccentric orbits and their mutual tidal interactions. We present 42 new HBSs discovered based on TESS-SPOC and QLP data. Their physical parameters have been obtained through modeling with appropriate models. Subsequently, Tidally excited oscillations (TEOs) are detected in ten systems, and their pulsation phases and modes are identified. Most pulsation phases can be explained by the dominant being spherical harmonic degree $l=2$ and azimuthal order $m=0$ or $\pm2$. For TIC 156846634, the harmonic with large deviation ($>3\sigma$) from the expected adiabatic phase can be expected to be a traveling wave or significantly nonadiabatic. The harmonic numbers $n$ = 16 in TIC 184413651 may not be considered as a TEO candidate due to its large deviation ($>2\sigma$) from the adiabatic expectation. Moreover, TIC 92828790 shows no TEOs but exhibits a significant $\gamma$\,Dor-type pulsation. The eccentricity-period ($e-P$) relation also shows a positive correlation between eccentricity and period, as well as the existence of orbital circularization. The Hertzsprung-Russell diagram shows that TESS HBSs have higher temperatures and greater luminosities than Kepler HBSs, possibly due to selection effects. This significantly enhances the detectability of massive HBSs and those containing TEOs.

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arXiv2025

V455 Car: an oscillating eclipsing Algol-type binary in triple star system

V455 Car is a southern oscillating eclipsing Algol-type system with an orbital period of 5.132888 days. Our first photometric solutions based on the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite indicate that it is a semi-detached binary with the secondary star is almost filling its Roche lobe. The noticeable O'Connell effect in light curve could be explained by hot spot on the primary component, which may be attributed to the mass transfer from the secondary component to the primary one. The absolute parameters are determined as: $M_{1} = 5.30 \pm 1.10 \, \rm M_{\odot}$, $R_{1} = 3.17 \pm 0.22 \, \rm R_{\odot}$ for the primary, and $M_{2} = 1.58 \pm 0.32 \, \rm M_{\odot}$, $R_{2} = 6.66 \pm 0.46 \, \rm R_{\odot}$ for the secondary. \textbf{Based on $O-C$ analysis, we find a periodic variation of $P_3=26.62(\pm1.66)\,yr$. The periodic oscillation suggests a possible third body with a minimal mass of $0.59(\pm0.13)\,\rm M_{\odot}$}. It is speculated that the secondary star has undergone a longer evolution, leading to a mass ratio reversal being experienced in the binary system. Our frequency analysis finds that the primary of V455 Car may be an SPB/SLF star. This study reports a novel example of an oscillating eclipsing Algol-type system featuring an SPB/SLF primary star and a red giant star, which suggest that strong observational results for a high incidence of third bodies in massive binaries.

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arXiv2025

Heartbeat Stars Recognition Based on Recurrent Neural Networks: Method and Validation

Since the variety of their light curve morphologies, the vast majority of the known heartbeat stars (HBSs) have been discovered by manual inspection. Machine learning, which has already been successfully applied to the classification of variable stars based on light curves, offers another possibility for the automatic detection of HBSs. We propose a novel feature extraction approach for HBSs. First, the orbital frequencies are calculated automatically according to the Fourier spectra of the light curves. Then, the amplitudes of the first 100 harmonics are extracted. Finally, these harmonics are normalized as feature vectors of the light curve. A training data set of synthetic light curves is constructed using ELLC, and their features are fed into recurrent neural networks (RNNs) for supervised learning, with the expected output being the eccentricity of these light curves. The performance of the RNNs is evaluated using a test data set of synthetic light curves, achieving 95$\%$ accuracy. When applied to known HBSs from the OGLE, Kepler, and TESS surveys, the networks achieve an average accuracy of 86$\%$. This method successfully identifies four new HBSs within the eclipsing binary catalog of Kirk et al. The use of orbital harmonics as features for HBSs proves to be a practical approach that significantly reduces the computational cost of neural networks. RNNs show excellent performance in recognizing this type of time series data. This method not only allows efficient identification of HBSs but can also be extended to recognize other types of periodic variable stars.

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arXiv2025

Comprehensive Parameter Determination of Exoplanet through Asteroseismic Host Star Constraints

This study develops a robust framework for exoplanet characterization by leveraging asteroseismic constraints on host stars. Using precise photometric data from missions such as \textit{Kepler} and \textit{TESS}, we derive stellar parameters, including mass, radius, and age, with high accuracy through asteroseismic analysis. These stellar parameters are incorporated as priors in a Bayesian framework to refine planetary properties such as mass, radius, and orbital parameters. By applying Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods, we extract posterior distributions of planetary parameters, achieving significant improvements in precision and reliability. This approach is particularly effective for systems with evolved host stars, where precise stellar properties are essential for resolving uncertainties in planetary characterization. The results demonstrate the importance of asteroseismology in bridging stellar astrophysics and exoplanet science, enabling detailed studies of planetary system architectures and their dependence on host star properties. Our methodology underscores the synergy between stellar and planetary studies, paving the way for future research on exoplanet populations. This work provides a foundation for utilizing data from upcoming missions like \textit{PLATO}, ensuring continued advancements in the precision and scope of exoplanet characterization.

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arXiv2024

Superoutbursts and Positive Superhumps Occurred During the Standstill of a Z Cam-type Dwarf Nova

Dwarf novae are semi-detached binaries, where a white dwarf accretes material from a cool main-sequence companion via an accretion disk, and are known for their intermittent outbursts, making them key systems for studying accretion physics. The accumulation of large survey datasets has challenged traditional models, which assumed that the disk remains hot and cannot produce superoutbursts during the standstill of Z Cam-type dwarf nova and that superoutbursts require a mass ratio of $ q = M_2/M_1 \leq 0.25 - 0.33 $. Here we report the detection of superoutbursts and positive superhumps (PSHs) during a standstill in the Z Cam-type star AT Cnc with a mass ratio larger than 0.33. Notably, the PSHs evolve gradually before the superoutburst begins, suggesting that an eccentric, precessing disk forms first, with the superoutburst occurring as the disk radius continues to expand. These findings provide the first detailed observational evidence of superoutbursts and PSHs occurring during standstill, offering important new insights into the classification of dwarf novae and the underlying mechanisms of outbursts

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arXiv2024

Decoding the Future of Exoplanets: Asteroseismic Confirmation of Subgiant and Red Giant Hosts

Asteroseismology has emerged as a powerful tool to unravel the intricate relationships between evolved stars and their planetary systems. In this study, we leverage this technique to investigate the evolutionary stages of five exoplanet host stars, each exhibiting solar-like oscillations. Building on our previous work that identified two host stars as red clump and red giant branch (RGB) stars, this study focuses on a new and broader sample. By precisely measuring asteroseismic parameters such as the period spacing of dipole gravity modes ($\Delta\Pi_{1}$), we provide definitive confirmation of these stars' evolutionary states as subgiants or RGB stars. These results are not only crucial for understanding the internal structures of evolved stars but also for predicting the eventual fate of their planetary companions, which may face engulfment as their host stars expand. This research highlights the profound role of asteroseismology in advancing our knowledge of planetary system evolution and opens new pathways for exploring how stellar evolution impacts planetary survival. Our findings set the stage for future studies on the dynamic fates of exoplanets, providing key insights into the intricate processes of stellar and planetary evolution.

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arXiv2024

A possible explanation of W-type phenomena in V694 Peg

Three sets of complete multi-color light curves of V694 Peg observed in 2013, 2015 and 2019 were presented and analyzed. Our photometric solutions show that this system is an A-type shallow contact binary in 2013 and 2015, while it converted to a W-type one in 2019. A large cool spot on the component of this binary could explain the conversion, implying the W-type phenomena may be caused by magnetic activity of the components. We have collected available data of this binary and calculated 505 times of light minimum, which span 17 years. The orbital period investigation based on these timings shows there is a long-term period increase at a rate of $dP/dt$ = 4.3($\pm$ 0.3)$\times$ 10$^{-9}$ d yr$^{-1}$ superposed on a periodic variation with a period of 11.81($\pm$ 0.06) years. The cyclic orbital variation may be the result of magnetic activity cycles or the existence of a third body. Till now, only 8 transformed systems including V694 Peg have been reported. Compared with other converting contact systems between A-type and W-type, V694 Peg is recorded as the shortest-period one. All of these converting systems are late-type (later than F7) contact binaries with O'Connell effect and show cyclic period variation, which indicates that magnetic activity may be the reason for the conversion between the two types of contact binaries. For investigating the nature of A-type and W-type phenomena, the discovery of more converting contact binaries is essential.

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arXiv2024

A New IW And-Type Star: Karachurin 12 with Tilted Disks and Diverse cycles

The IW And-type phenomenon in cataclysmic variables presents a significant challenge to the accretion disk instability model. Using photometric data from the All-Sky Automated Survey for Supernovae, the Zwicky Transient Facility, and the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, we identify Karachurin 12 as a new non-eclipsing IW And-type object with a cycle period of 35.69(3) days. We also report for the first time that Karachurin 12 is a negative superhump (NSH) system featuring a precessing tilted disks, with precession, orbital, and NSH periods of 4.9588(2) days, 0.3168895(13) days, and 0.2979861(8) days, respectively. Our analysis, using dips as index and NSHs as probe, reveals diverse cycle patterns in Karachurin 12, with NSH amplitude varying throughout the cycle. These findings offer new insights for studying tilted disks and the IW And-type phenomenon. The mass-transfer burst model has difficulty explaining the observed variations in NSH amplitude, especially given the uncertainty surrounding the origin of the mass transfer burst. Meanwhile, the tilted thermally unstable disk model indicates a possible connection to the IW And-type phenomenon, but it also struggles to account for the detailed variations in Karachurin 12. Therefore, a wider range of factors must be considered to fully understand the complex changes in Karachurin 12.

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arXiv2024

Revealing the Fate of Exoplanet Systems: Asteroseismic Identification of Host Star in the Red Clump or Red Giant Branch

Determining the evolutionary stage of stars is crucial for understanding the evolution of exoplanetary systems. In this context, Red Giant Branch (RGB) and Red Clump (RC) stars, stages in the later evolution of stars situated before and after the helium flash, harbor critical clues to unveiling the evolution of planets. The first step in revealing these clues is to confirm the evolutionary stage of the host stars through asteroseismology. However, up to now, host stars confirmed to be RGB or RC stars are extremely rare. In this investigation, we present a comprehensive asteroseismic analysis of two evolved stars, HD 120084 and HD 29399, known to harbor exoplanets, using data from the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). We have discovered for the first time that HD 120084 is a Red Clump star in the helium-core burning phase, and confirmed that HD 29399 is a Red Giant Branch star in the hydrogen-shell burning phase. Through the precise measurement of asteroseismic parameters such as $\nu_{max}$, $\Delta\nu$ and $\Delta\Pi_{1}$ we have determined the evolutionary states of these stars and derived their fundamental stellar parameters. The significance of this study lies in the application of automated techniques to measure asymptotic period spacings in red giants, which provides critical insights into the evolutionary outcomes of exoplanet systems. We demonstrate that asteroseismology is a potent tool for probing the internal structures of stars, thereby offering a window into the past and future dynamics of planetary orbits. The presence of a long-period giant planet orbiting HD 120084, in particular, raises intriguing questions about the potential engulfment of inner planets during the host star's expansion, a hypothesis that warrants further investigation.

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