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Formation of the first three gravitational-wave observations through isolated binary evolution.
Simon Stevenson1, Alejandro Vigna-Gómez1, Ilya Mandel1
1School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Midlands B15 2TT, UK.
Nature Communications
|April 6, 2017
Summary
Advanced LIGO detected gravitational waves from binary black hole mergers. A single evolutionary path, classical isolated binary evolution, explains these events, particularly in low-metallicity environments.
Area of Science:
- Astrophysics
- Gravitational Wave Astronomy
- Stellar Evolution
Background:
- Advanced LIGO has detected gravitational waves from binary black hole mergers (GW150914, GW151226) and a candidate event (LVT151012).
- Understanding the formation channels of these mergers is crucial for astrophysics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if a single evolutionary channel can explain the observed binary black hole merger events.
- To determine the progenitor properties and environmental conditions required for these mergers.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing the COMPAS (Compact Binary Evolution Synthesis) code for rapid binary population synthesis.
- Simulating isolated binary evolution, including mass transfer and common envelope phases.
Main Results:
- All three detected events (GW150914, GW151226, LVT151012) are consistent with classical isolated binary evolution.
- Formation in low-metallicity environments (Z=0.001) is favored for these events.
- Progenitor binary total masses are estimated: ≳160M⊙ for GW150914, ≳60M⊙ for GW151226, and ≳90M⊙ for LVT151012.
Conclusions:
- Classical isolated binary evolution provides a unified explanation for the observed gravitational wave merger events.
- Low-metallicity environments and specific progenitor masses are key factors in forming these binary black hole systems.