From Evolution to Explosions: White Dwarfs in Compact Binaries |
| TYPE | Astrophysics Seminar |
| Speaker: | Silvia Toonen |
| Affiliation: | Technion |
| Date: | 14.12.2016 |
| Time: | 14:30 - 15:30 |
| Location: | Lidow 620 |
| Abstract: | From gravitational wave sources to progenitors of Supernova type Ia (SNIa) explosions, compact binaries with white dwarfs components are fascinating objects. In this seminar, I will review the theoretical SNIa rates from merging and from accreting white dwarfs, and compare these to observations in order to constrain the illusive progenitors of the SNIae. I will discuss the progenitor evolution and the uncertainties therein. A crucial evolutionary phase is the common-envelope phase, in which the orbit can shrink dramatically. However, despite the significance of the common-envelope phase for many types of compact binaries, common-envelope evolution is poorly understood. I will review the (dis)-agreements between the observations and the theoretical expectations and the constraints these provide on the outcome of the common-envelope phase. Lastly, I will discuss recent results in which we extend our modelling efforts from the evolution of binary populations to triple systems. |