Comprehensive tables for the interpretation and modeling of the light curves of eclipsing binaries

We present parameters used in the investigation of the light curves of eclipsing binaries together with other data needed for the interpretation of their stellar and dynamical evolution. Parameters include limb-darkening coefficients and gravity darkening exponents, while data includes the apsidal motion constants, the moment of inertia, and the potential energy. The adopted stellar models are those computed by \cite[Claret (1995)]{C5} for a representative chemical composition of X=0.70 and Z=0.02. In addition to the parameters needed for the study of the dynamical behavior and tidal evolution of binary systems, we supply the linear limb-darkening coefficients computed in 12 different photometric bands, as well as the gravity darkening exponent for each point along the evolutionary track. We have developed a method, based on the triangles strategy by \cite[Kippenhahn et al. (1967)]{K7} to compute the gravity-darkening exponent using interior models. For the first time, the gravity-darkening exponents are presented as a function of mass and age. The old values of beta_1 - 0.32 and 1.0 - for convective and radiative envelopes are thus superseded by the present calculations and a smooth transition is achieved between both energy transport mechanisms. The tables presented here assist modeling of the light curves of close binaries using limb-darkening and gravity darkening coefficients which are consistent with the observed masses, radii and effective temperatures. In order to facilitate the use of the grid of models presented here in a variety of different research fields other than binary stars, synthetic colors (U-B, B-V, u-b, b-y) and M_v are also given. Tables 1-24 are only available in electronic form at the CDS via anonymous ftp to cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (130.79.128.5) or via http://cdsweb.u-strasbg.fr/Abstract.html