Host: Dong Lai

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Meeting ID: 807909568 (no password）

Abstract:

Interactions between close binary stars play a critical role in a variety of astrophysical phenomena. One important process is common-envelope evolution, in which a giant star consumes its companion star, resulting in rapid shrinkage of the orbital separation and expulsion of the giant star's envelope. This phase is crucial for forming supernovae, planetary nebulae, X-ray binaries, gravitational wave merger events, and more. This important but complex evolutionary phase remains poorly understood to this day, nearly half a century after it was first proposed. 

I will present recent advances in our understanding of common-envelope evolution through 3D hydrodynamics, MHD, and radiation hydrodynamics simulations, arguing for a revision of the long-held picture of this evolutionary phase. In single stars, a similar process may occur when a star engulfs its planet. I will present 3D hydrodynamical models of this phase and discuss its observational implications, including the production of rapidly rotating and chemically peculiar stars.

Biography:

Dr. Mike Lau is a Croucher Fellow at the Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies. He obtained his PhD from Monash University in 2023 on interactions in stellar binaries. His research focuses on understanding binary stellar interactions, especially common-envelope evolution, using 3D hydrodynamical simulations, stellar evolution codes, and rapid population synthesis.