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Triple interactions involving close binaries in globular clustersThe interaction of a circularized tidal binary system with a third star is studied statistically through the results of about 70,000 numerical scattering experiments. The stars involved are taken to be identical polytropes, with radii equal to one-third of the initial binary separation. The effects of nonzero stellar radii are included by calculating an approximation to the energy dissipated by tidal interactions and estimating the energy lost through physical collisions. These are then used to modify the interaction cross sections obtained in the point-mass approximation. It is found that, for a wide range of assumptions about the details of the triple interactions and the stars' structure, the net rate at which tidal binaries heat the stellar system is substantially reduced (by as much as a factor of 20) below that obtained when the binaries are treated simply as point masses. The most likely outcome of a triple encounter is the coalescence of two, or all three, of the stars involved.
Document ID
19860063256
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Mcmillan, S. L. W.
(Illinois, University Urbana, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
July 15, 1986
Publication Information
Publication: Astrophysical Journal, Part 1
Volume: 306
ISSN: 0004-637X
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Accession Number
86A47994
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSG-7653
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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