arXiv subjects

Natalia Ivanova

Publications and source records attributed to Natalia Ivanova.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2016

Common envelope events with low-mass giants: understanding the transition to the slow spiral-in

We present a three-dimensional (3D) study of common envelope events (CEEs) to provide a foundation for future one-dimensional (1D) methods to model the self-regulated phase of a CEE. The considered CEEs with a low-mass red giant end with one of three different outcomes -- merger, slow spiral-in, or prompt formation of a binary. To understand which physical processes determine different outcomes, and to evaluate how well 1D simulations model the self-regulated phase of a CEE, we introduce tools that map our 3D models to 1D profiles. We discuss the differences in the angular momentum and energy redistribution in 1D and 3D codes. We identified four types of ejection processes: the pre-plunge-in ejection, the outflow during the plunge-in, the outflow driven by recombination, and the ejection triggered by a contraction of the circumbinary envelope. Significant mass is lost in all cases, including the mergers. Therefore a self-regulated spiral-in can start only with a strongly reduced envelope mass. We derive the condition to start a recombination outflow, which can proceed either as a runaway or a stationary outflow. We show that the way the energy of the inspiraling companion is added to the envelope in 1D studies intensifies the envelope's entropy increase, alters the start of the recombination outflow, and leads to different outcomes in 1D and 3D studies. The steady recombination outflow may dispel most of the envelope in all slow spiral-in cases, making the existence of a long-term self-regulated phase debatable, at least for low-mass giant donors.

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arXiv2016

Common envelope events with low-mass giants: understanding the energy budget

Common envelope events are important interactions between two binary stars that lead to the formation of close binary systems. We present here a systematic three-dimensional study in which we model common envelope events with low-mass giant donors. The results allow us to revise the energy formalism that is usually used to determine common envelope event outcomes. We show that the energy budget for this type of system should include the recombination energy, and that it also must take into account that a significant fraction of the released orbital energy is taken away by the ejecta. We provide three ways in which our results can be used by binary population synthesis studies: a relation that links the observed post-common envelope binary with the initial binary parameters, a fitting formula for the $α_{\rm ce}λ$ parameter of the standard energy formalism, and a revised energy formalism that takes into account both the recombination energy and the energy that is taken away by the ejecta.

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arXiv2015

Testing common envelopes on double white dwarf binaries

The formation of a double white dwarf binary likely involves a common envelope (CE) event between a red giant and a white dwarf (WD) during the most recent episode of Roche lobe overflow mass transfer. We study the role of recombination energy with hydrodynamic simulations of such stellar interactions. We find that the recombination energy helps to expel the common envelope entirely, while if recombination energy is not taken into account, a significant fraction of the common envelope remains bound. We apply our numerical methods to constrain the progenitor system for WD 1101+364 -- a double WD binary that has well-measured mass ratio of $q=0.87\pm0.03$ and an orbital period of 0.145 days. Our best-fit progenitor for the pre-common envelope donor is a 1.5 $M_\odot$ red giant.

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arXiv2015

Recombination energy in double white dwarf formation

In this Letter we investigate the role of recombination energy during a common envelope event. We confirm that taking this energy into account helps to avoid the formation of the circumbinary envelope commonly found in previous studies. For the first time, we can model a complete common envelope event, with a clean compact double white dwarf binary system formed at the end. The resulting binary orbit is almost perfectly circular. In addition to considering recombination energy, we also show that between 1/4 and 1/2 of the released orbital energy is taken away by the ejected material. We apply this new method to the case of the double-white dwarf system WD 1101+364, and we find that the progenitor system at the start of the common envelope event consisted of a $\sim1.5M_\odot$ red giant star in a $\sim 30$ day orbit with a white dwarf companion.

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arXiv2014

Binary Evolution: Roche Lobe Overflow and Blue Stragglers

One of the principal mechanisms that is responsible for the origin of blue stragglers is mass transfer that takes place while one of the binary companions overfills its Roche lobe. In this Chapter, we overview the theoretical understanding of mass transfer via Roche lobe overflow: classification, how both the donor and of the accretor respond to the mass transfer on different timescales (adiabatic response, equilibrium response, superadiabatic response, time-dependent response) for different types of their envelopes (convective and radiative). These responses, as well as the assumption on how liberal the process is, are discussed in terms of the stability of the ensuing mass transfer. The predictions of the theory of mass transfer via Roche lobe overflow are then briefly compared with the observed mass-transferring systems with both degenerate and non-degenerate donors. We conclude with the discussion which cases of mass transfer and which primordial binaries could be responsible for blue stragglers formation via Roche lobe overflow, as well as how this can be enhanced for blue stragglers formed in globular clusters.

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arXiv2014

V1309 SCO - Understanding a merger

One of the two outcomes of a common envelope event is a merger of the two stars. To date, the best known case of a binary merger is the V1309 Sco outburst, where the orbital period was known and observed to decay up to the outburst. Using the hydrodynamical code StarSmasher, we study in detail which characteristics of the progenitor binary affect the outburst and produce the best match with observations. We have developed a set of tools in order to quantify any common envelope event. We consider binaries consisting of a 1.52$M_\odot$ giant and a 0.16$M_\odot$ companion with $P_{\rm orb}\sim1.4$ days, varying the nature of the companion and its synchronization. We show that all considered progenitor binaries evolve towards the merger primarily due to the Darwin instability. The merger is accompanied by mass ejection that proceeds in several separate mass outbursts and takes away a few percent of the donor mass. This very small mass, nonetheless, is important as it is not only sufficient to explain the observed light-curve, but it also carries away up to 1/3 of the both initial total angular momentum and initial orbital energy. We find that all synchronized systems experience $L_2$ mass loss that operates during just a few days prior to merger and produces ring-shaped ejecta. The formed star is always a strongly heated radiative star that differentially rotates. We conclude that the case of a synchronized binary with a main-sequence companion gives the best match with observations of V1309 Sco.

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arXiv2013

Low-Mass X-ray Binaries in Globular Clusters: Puzzles and Solutions

In dense stellar systems, dynamical interactions between objects lead to frequent formation of exotic stellar objects, unusual binaries, and systems of higher multiplicity. They are especially important for the formation of low mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs), which are not only formed 100 times more efficiently than in the field, but also have a puzzling dependence on metallicity. In this contribution we review how compact objects are formed and retained, the mechanisms of dynamical formation and the specifics of the evolution of mass-transferring binaries with neutron stars and black holes in globular clusters - those two kinds of compact objects have different favored paths to become luminous in X-ray. We describe how stellar evolution affects ostensibly purely dynamical formation, producing the observed metallicity dependence for LMXBs. We also discuss the next puzzle to be solved on our journey to understand the link between LMXBs and millisecond pulsars formation.

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arXiv2012

Ultra-compact X-ray binaries with high luminosity: a key for a new scenario

Ultra-compact X-ray binaries (UCXBs) are accreting systems with periods less than 1 hour, which qualifies them to contain a degenerate donor-companion. One would expect such systems to have the easiest theoretical explanation, compared to other kinds of X-ray binaries. Nonetheless, current theory fails to explain high mass transfer (MT) rates in three recently well observed long-period UCXBs. We find that this range of MT rates can be maintained if the donor is a remnant of an out-of-thermal-equilibrium naked core of a giant which was revealed in a very recent episode of a common envelope (CE) event.

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arXiv2011

Common envelope: the progress and the pitfalls

The common envelope event is one of the most important and uncertain evolutionary stages that lead to formation of compact binaries. While the problem is almost 30 years old, its theoretical foundation did not progress much from the first proposed consideration. For many years, the simple estimate provided by αλ-formalism has been intensively used by population synthesis studies and, not surprisingly, frequently contradicted observations. In recent years, the advancements in our studies of stellar structure, progress of the numerical techniques for hydrodynamical simulations as well as increase of the computer power and new observations started to bring improvements to our understanding of the common envelope phase. We review main physical processes taking place during the common envelope phase from the theoretical point of view and how they affect the values of classical formal parameters. In particular, we discuss the energy budget problem -- what are the energy sources, sinks and what is the condition for the envelope to disperse, as well as the importance of choosing the definition of the remnant core to the common envelope outcome.

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arXiv2011

Common envelope: enthalpy consideration

In this Letter we discuss a modification to the criterion for the common envelope (CE) event to result in envelope dispersion. We emphasize that the current energy criterion for the CE phase is not sufficient for an instability of the CE, nor for an ejection. However, in some cases, stellar envelopes undergo stationary mass outflows, which are likely to occur during the slow spiral-in stage of the CE event. We propose the condition for such outflows, in a manner similar to the currently standard $α_{\rm CE}λ$-prescription but with an addition of $P/ρ$ term in the energy balance equation, accounting therefore for the enthalpy of the envelope rather than merely the gas internal energy. This produces a significant correction, which might help to dispense with an unphysically high value of energy efficiency parameter during CE phase, currently required in the binary population synthesis studies to make the production of low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs) with a black hole companion to match the observations.

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arXiv2011

Evolution of Binaries in Dense Stellar Systems

In contrast to the field, the binaries in dense stellar systems are frequently not primordial, and could be either dynamically formed or significantly altered from their primordial states. Destruction and formation of binaries occur in parallel all the time. The destruction, which constantly removes soft binaries from a binary pool, works as an energy sink and could be a reason for cluster entering the binary-burning phase. The true binary fraction is greater than observed, as a result, the observable binary fraction evolves differently from the predictions. Combined measurements of binary fractions in globular clusters suggest that most of the clusters are still core-contracting. The formation, on other hand, affects most the more evolutionary advanced stars, which significantly enhances the population of X-ray sources in globular clusters. The formation of binaries with a compact objects proceeds mainly through physical collisions, binary-binary and single-binary encounters; however, it is the dynamical formation of triples and multiple encounters that principally determine whether the formed binary will become an X-ray source.

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arXiv2011

Common envelope: on the mass and the fate of the remnant

One of the most important and uncertain stages in the binary evolution is the common envelope (CE) event. Significant attention has been devoted in the literature so far to the energy balance during the CE event, expected to determine the outcome. However this question is intrinsically coupled with the problem of what is left from the donor star after the CE and its immediate evolution. In this paper we argue that an important stage has been overlooked: post-CE remnant thermal readjustment phase. We propose a methodology for unambiguously defining the post-CE remnant mass after it has been thermally readjusted, namely by calling the core boundary the radius in the hydrogen shell corresponding to the local maximum of the sonic velocity. We argue that the important consequences of the thermal readjustment phase are: (i) a change in the energy budget requirement for the CE binaries and (ii) a companion spin-up and chemical enrichment, as a result of the mass transfer that occurs during the remnant thermal readjustment (TR). More CE binaries are expected to merge. If the companion is a neutron star, it will be mildly recycled during the TR phase. The mass transfer during the TR phase is much stronger than the accretion rate during the common envelope, and therefore satisfies the condition for a hypercritical accretion better. We also argue that the TR phase is responsible for a production of mildly recycled pulsars in double neutron stars.

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arXiv2008

The Total Merger Rate of Compact Object Binaries In The Local Universe

Using a population synthesis approach, we compute the total merger rate in the local Universe for double neutron stars, double black holes, and black hole -- neutron star binaries. These compact binaries are the prime source candidates for gravitational-wave detection by LIGO and VIRGO. We account for mergers originating from field populations and from dense stellar clusters. For both populations we use the same treatment of stellar evolution. Our results indicate that the merger rates of double neutron stars and black hole -- neutron star binaries are strongly dominated by field populations, while merging black hole binaries are formed much more effectively in dense stellar clusters. The overall merger rate of double compact objects depends sensitively on the (largely unknown) initial mass fraction contained in dense clusters f_cl. For f_cl < 0.0001, the Advanced LIGO detection rate will be dominated by field populations of double neutron star mergers, with a small but significant number of detections ~20 yr^-1. However for a higher mass fraction in clusters, f_cl > 0.001, the detection rate will be dominated by numerous mergers of double black holes originating from dense clusters, and it will be considerably higher, ~25 - 300 yr^-1. In addition, we show that, once mergers of double black holes are detected, it is easy to differentiate between systems formed in the field and in dense clusters, since the chirp mass distributions are strikingly different. Finally, we point out that there may exist a population of merging black hole binaries in intergalactic space.

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arXiv2007

Neutron Stars in Globular Clusters

Dynamical interactions that occur between objects in dense stellar systems are particularly important for the question of formation of X-ray binaries. We present results of numerical simulations of 70 globular clusters with different dynamical properties and a total stellar mass of 2*10^7 Msun. We find that in order to retain enough neutron stars to match observations we must assume that NSs can be formed via electron-capture supernovae. Our simulations explain the observed dependence of the number of LMXBs on ``collision number'' as well as the large scatter observed between different globular clusters. For millisecond pulsars, we obtain good agreement between our models and the numbers and characteristics of observed pulsars in the clusters Terzan 5 and 47 Tuc

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arXiv2007

Formation of Millisecond Pulsars in Globular Clusters

In this contribution we discuss how neutron stars are produced and retained in globular clusters, outlining the most important dynamical channels and evolutionary events that affect thepopulation of mass-transferring binaries with neutron stars and result in the formation of recycled pulsars. We confirm the importance of electron-capture supernovae in globular clusters as the major supplier of retained neutron stars.By comparing the observed millisecond pulsar population and the results obtained from simulations, we discuss several constraints on the evolution of mass-transferring systems.In particular, we find that in our cluster model the following mass-gaining events create populations of MSPs that do not match the observations (with respect to binary periods and companion masses or the number of produced systems) and therefore likely do not lead to NSs spun up to millisecond periods: (i) accretion during a common envelope event with a NS formed through accretion-induced collapse, and (ii) mass transfer from a WD donor. By restricting ourselves to the evolutionary and dynamical paths that most likely lead to neutron star recycling, we obtain good agreement between our models and the numbers and characteristics of observed millisecond pulsars in the clusters Terzan 5 and 47 Tuc.

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arXiv2006

Low mass X-ray binaries with pre-main sequence companions

In this Letter we examine the idea that a subset of short-period black-hole low-mass X-ray binaries could be powered by the mass transfer from pre-main sequence donors. As the star contracts towards the main sequence, the strong magnetic fields operate the magnetic braking which dissipates the orbital angular momentum, driving the binary to contact. We show that the periods and apparent donor spectral classes of the X-ray binaries with a pre-main sequence donor agree better with the available observations of black hole X-ray binaries than those of binaries with a main-sequence donor. This mechanism also explains, without the need for additional hypotheses, the roughly primordial abundance of Li detected in donor companions of black hole X-ray candidates in our Galaxy.

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arXiv2006

A Study of Compact Object Mergers as Short Gamma-ray Burst Progenitors

We present a theoretical study of double compact objects as potential short/hard gamma-ray burst (GRB) progenitors. An updated population synthesis code StarTrack is used to calculate properties of double neutron stars and black-hole neutron star binaries. We obtain their formation rates, estimate merger times and finally predict their most likely merger locations and afterglow properties for different types of host galaxies. Our results serve for a direct comparison with the recent HETE-II and SWIFT observations of several short bursts, for which afterglows and host galaxies were detected. We also discuss the possible constraints these observations put on the evolutionary models of double compact object formation. We emphasize that our double compact object models can successfully reproduce at the same time short GRBs within both young, star-forming galaxies (e.g., GRB 050709 and GRB 051221A), as well as within old, elliptical hosts (e.g., GRB 050724 and probably GRB 050509B)

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arXiv2005

Binary Mergers and Growth of Black Holes in Dense Star Clusters

We model the dynamical evolution of primordial black holes (BHs) in dense star clusters using a simplified treatment of stellar dynamics in which the BHs are assumed to remain concentrated in an inner core, completely decoupled from the background stars. Dynamical interactions involving BH binaries are computed exactly and are generated according to a Monte Carlo prescription. Recoil and ejections lead to complete evaporation of the BH core on a timescale ~10^9 yr for typical globular cluster parameters. Orbital decay driven by gravitational radiation can make binaries merge and, in some cases, successive mergers can lead to significant BH growth. Our highly simplified treatment of the cluster dynamics allows us to study a large number of models and to compute statistical distributions of outcomes, such as the probability of massive BH growth and retention in a cluster. We find that, in most models, there is a significant probability (~20-80%) of BH growth with final masses > 100 M_{\sun}. In one case, a final BH formed with mass ~ 620 M_{\sun}. However, if the typical merger recoil speed (due to asymmetric emission of gravitational radiation) significantly exceeds the cluster escape speed, no growth ever occurs. Independent of the recoil speed, we find that BH-BH mergers enhanced by dynamical interactions in cluster cores present an important source of gravitational waves for ground--based laser interferometers. Under optimistic conditions, the total rate of detections by Advanced LIGO, could be as high as a few tens of events per year from inspiraling BHs from clusters.

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