Speaker
Description
Mass transfer between stars is known to be of crucial importance in the evolution of multi-star systems, and is linked to the formation of a vast zoo of observed energetic transients. While mass transfer in binary stars has been studied intensively over the past decades, theoretical work on mass transfer in triples is still in its infancy. Understanding the disparities between mass transfer dynamics in binaries and triples holds particular significance for massive stars, given the prevalence of triple and higher-order multiple star configurations among them. Hierarchical triple star systems, characterized by a binary accompanied by a third star (referred to as the tertiary) orbiting at a greater distance, present intriguing scenarios. Under certain initial conditions, the tertiary star may fill its Roche lobe and initiate mass transfer before any member of the binary. In this talk, I will introduce an analytical model tailored to simulate the transfer of mass from the tertiary star onto the binary, while explaining the underlying physical processes. Specifically, I will explore the implications of this mass transfer phenomenon on the orbital evolution of the binary, with potential consequences including gravitational wave mergers. This talk aims to provide insights into the complex dynamics of mass transfer within triple star systems, highlighting its importance in our understanding of stellar evolution.
