Jets from main sequence and white dwarf companions during common envelope evolution

TL;DR

This study uses 3D hydrodynamical simulations to investigate how jets from companions during common envelope evolution influence orbital dynamics and envelope unbinding, revealing jets can increase unbound mass by up to 10%.

Contribution

First simulation study incorporating jet feedback in common envelope evolution, analyzing its effects on orbital change and envelope unbinding.

Findings

Jets become choked around first periastron passage.

Jets increase unbound mass by up to 10%.

Jet parameters influence envelope morphology and unbinding efficiency.

Abstract

It has long been speculated that jet feedback from accretion onto the companion during a common envelope (CE) event could affect the orbital evolution and envelope unbinding process, but this conjecture has heretofore remained largely untested. We present global 3D hydrodynamical simulations of CE evolution (CEE) that include a jet subgrid model and compare them with an otherwise identical model without a jet. Our binary consists of a $2M_\odot$ red giant branch primary and a $1M_\odot$ or $0.5M_\odot$ main sequence or white dwarf secondary companion modeled as a point particle. We run the simulations for 10 orbits (40 days). Our jet model adds mass at a constant rate $\dot{M}_\mathrm{j}$ of order the Eddington rate, with maximum velocity $v_\mathrm{j}$ of order the escape speed, to two spherical sectors with the jet axis perpendicular to the orbital plane, and supplies kinetic energy at the rate $\sim\dot{M}_\mathrm{j} v_\mathrm{j}^2/40$. We explore the influence of the jet on orbital evolution, envelope morphology and envelope unbinding, and assess the dependence of the results on jet mass-loss rate, launch speed, companion mass, opening angle, and whether or not subgrid accretion is turned on. In line with our theoretical estimates, we find that in all cases the jet becomes choked around the time of first periastron passage. We also find that jets lead to increases in unbound mass of up to $\sim10\%$, as compared to simulations which do not include a jet.