Investigating Potential Relationships Between Mass Transfer Indicators and $δ$ Scuti Pulsations in oEA Systems

RESUMO

We explored potential associations between ongoing mass transfer and the pulsation properties of $\delta$ Scuti primaries in a sample of 17 oscillating eclipsing Algol systems. For this purpose, we combined binary modelling, updated O-C analyses, and frequency characterization based on TESS photometry. To ensure homogeneity, the $T_{\rm eff}$ of the components were derived using a consistent SED fitting approach. From the binary solutions and O-C diagrams, we determined the mass transfer indicators (Q, dP/dt, and dM/dt) and examined their relations with the dominant pulsation period and amplitude. For the full sample, the results indicate weak to moderate positive trends, with the strongest relation found between logdP/dt and logPpuls, while the relations involving dM/dt and pulsation amplitudes are weaker and statistically insignificant. After excluding the two prominent outliers, R CMa and BW Del, the correlations between logPpuls and the mass transfer indicators become statistically more significant, including relations with dP/dt, Q, and dM/dt under both conservative and non-conservative assumptions. These relationships may reflect the indirect effects of mass transfer on the structure of the accreting primary and on the orbital configuration, potentially reducing tidal constraints and allowing shifts toward longer pulsation periods. However, the large dispersion and limited sample size indicate that these relationships remain poorly constrained. Our results suggest that pulsation properties are primarily governed by intrinsic stellar parameters and the well established Porb-Ppuls relation, while ongoing mass transfer may contribute as a secondary factor. Although the present sample does not allow firm conclusions regarding the role of mass transfer, this study provides a homogeneous observational framework for future investigations based on larger samples and improved constraints.