Tidal Wave Breaking in the Eccentric Lead-in to Mass Transfer and Common Envelope Phases

The evolution of many close binary and multiple star systems is defined by phases mass exchange interaction. As these evolve into contact, tidal dissipation not always sufficient to bring them circular, synchronous orbits. In cases, encounters increasing strength occur while the orbit remains eccentric. This paper focuses on outcomes passages in eccentric Close excite dynamical oscillations about stars' equilibrium configurations. These arise from transfer orbital energy oscillation mode energy. When reach amplitude, they break near stellar surface. surface wave-breaking layer forms a shock-heated atmosphere that surrounds object. continuing star's interior launch shocks dissipate this atmosphere, damping oscillations. We show rapid, nonlinear associated with wave breaking fundamental modes therefore comes coupled loss atmosphere. ratio an important characteristic defines relative importance determines fate evolving under influence dissipation. outcome can be rapid circularization ($q\ll1$) or runaway ($q\gg1$).