The outbursts properties of AM CVn stars

Abstract

We briefly summarize the observational properties of ultra-compact binaries called AM CVn stars. We analize their outbursts originating from the thermal-viscous instability in helium accretion disc. We present our preliminary results in applying the model of Dwarf Novae outbursts to helium discs. We can calculate models of outbursts of reasonable amplitude of 2 mag with a constant alfa parameter throughout the calculation. Setting the mass transfer rate close to its upper critical value produces model lightcurves that resemble short superoutbursts.