Binary Evolution Models with Rotation

Abstract

We discuss the first available binary evolution models which include up-to-date rotational physics for both components, as well as angular momentum accretion and spin-orbit coupling. These models allow a self-consistent computation of the mass transfer efficiency during Roche-lobe overflow phases, and a determination of the transition from quasi-conservative to non-conservative evolution. Applications to massive binary systems lead to predictions for the spin rates of compact objects in binaries, and for the occurrence of gamma-ray bursts from collapsars in binaries. Rotational effects in accreting white dwarfs are found to stabilise the shell burning and decrease the carbon abundance in progenitor models for Chandrasekhar-mass Type Ia supernovae, and to potentially avoid a detonation of the white dwarf within the sub-Chandrasekhar mass scenario.