Abstract

The A-F-type stars and pulsators (delta Scuti-gamma Dor) are in a critical regime where they experience a transition from radiative to convective transport of energy in their envelopes. Such stars can pulsate in both gravity and acoustic modes. Hence, the knowledge of their fundamental parameters along with their observed pulsation characteristics can help in improving the stellar models. When residing in a binary system, these pulsators provide more accurate and less model-dependent stellar parameters than in the case of their single counterparts. We present a light-curve model for the eclipsing system KIC 6048106 based on the Kepler photometry and the code PHOEBE. We aim to obtain accurate physical parameters and tough constraints for the stellar modelling of this intermediate-mass hybrid pulsator. We performed a separate modelling of three light-curve segments which show a distinct behaviour due to a difference in activity. We also analysed the Kepler Eclipse Time Variations (ETVs). KIC 6048106 is an Algol-type binary with F5-K5 components, a near-circular orbit and a 1.56-d period undergoing variations of the order of Delta P/P similar or equal to 3.60 x 10(-7) in 287 +/- 7 d. The primary component is a main-sequence star with M-1 = 1.55 +/- 0.11 M-circle dot, R-1 = 1.57 +/- 0.12 R-circle dot. The secondary is a much cooler subgiant with M-2 = 0.33 +/- 0.07M(circle dot), R-2 = 1.77 +/- 0.16 R-circle dot. Many small near-polar spots are active on its surface. The second quadrature phase shows a brightness modulation on a time-scale 290 +/- 7 d, in good agreement with the ETV modulation. This study reveals a stable binary configuration along with clear evidence of a long-term activity of the secondary star.