Graduate 2-body inspirals that circularize

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In 2-body inspirals, circularization is typically associated with compact binaries, but conditions for circularization may exist in other scenarios. In a 3-body system, the least massive body is often ejected, resulting in a binary that can either increase or decrease in eccentricity, generally leading to mergers instead of circularization. However, there is speculation about rare cases where a third body remains bound but distant enough to allow a heavier binary pair to transition from inspiral to circular due to gravitational waves. This discussion highlights the complexities of gravitational interactions in multi-body systems and the potential for unique outcomes. Overall, while circularization is uncommon outside compact binaries, specific configurations might allow for it in certain 3-body scenarios.
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Inspirals that circularize
Other than compact binaries, are there conditions where 2-body inspirals circularize? 3-body?
Thx
 
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tempus said:
Summary: Inspirals that circularize

Other than compact binaries, are there conditions where 2-body inspirals circularize? 3-body?
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.
 
Thx — that leads me to wonder if there might be a rare case where, in a 3-body system, C is still gravitationally bound but sufficiently low mass and distant to allow the relatively heavy and close pair A and B to progress due to gravitational waves from inspiral to circular? (For this, I’m focusing on inspiral to circular rather than elliptical to circular.)
 

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