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tempus
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- TL;DR Summary
- Inspirals that circularize
Other than compact binaries, are there conditions where 2-body inspirals circularize? 3-body?
Thx
Thx
In general 3-body problem, the least massive body is typically ejected, leaving binary with less energy. The eccentricity of remaining binary may decrease or increase at random though, typically in multiple-body system resulting in mergers rather than circularization.tempus said:Summary: Inspirals that circularize
Other than compact binaries, are there conditions where 2-body inspirals circularize? 3-body?
Thx
A 2-body inspiral that circularizes refers to the gradual decrease in the eccentricity of the orbit of two celestial bodies as they come closer together. This process is driven by the emission of gravitational waves, causing the orbit to become more circular over time.
In a 2-body inspiral, the circularization process occurs as the two bodies emit gravitational waves, which carry away energy and angular momentum from the system. This causes the orbit to shrink and the eccentricity to decrease, eventually leading to a circular orbit.
Circularization in a 2-body inspiral is significant because it allows the two bodies to come closer together, increasing their gravitational interaction and potentially leading to a merger. This process is important in understanding the evolution of binary systems and the formation of compact objects such as black holes and neutron stars.
The time it takes for a 2-body inspiral to circularize depends on various factors such as the masses and separation of the two bodies, as well as the rate at which they emit gravitational waves. In general, the process can take anywhere from millions to billions of years.
Yes, we can observe the circularization of a 2-body inspiral through the detection of gravitational waves. As the orbit becomes more circular, the frequency and amplitude of the gravitational waves emitted also change, providing evidence of the circularization process.