2-body inspirals that circularize

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    2-body Spiral
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SUMMARY

In the context of gravitational dynamics, 2-body inspirals can circularize under specific conditions, particularly in the presence of a third body. The discussion highlights that in a typical 3-body problem, the least massive body is often ejected, which alters the energy dynamics of the remaining binary. While the eccentricity of the binary can fluctuate, it generally leads to mergers rather than circularization. However, there are rare scenarios where a low-mass, distant third body may allow a close binary pair to transition from inspiral to circular orbits due to gravitational wave interactions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the 3-body problem in gravitational dynamics
  • Knowledge of binary star systems and their energy dynamics
  • Familiarity with gravitational wave theory and its implications
  • Concept of orbital eccentricity and its effects on binary systems
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  • Research the dynamics of the 3-body problem in astrophysics
  • Study gravitational wave emission from inspiraling binary systems
  • Explore conditions for circularization in binary star systems
  • Investigate the role of mass ratios in binary and tertiary systems
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Astronomers, astrophysicists, and researchers studying gravitational interactions in multi-body systems, particularly those interested in binary star evolution and gravitational wave phenomena.

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TL;DR
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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