Jets in common envelopes: a low-mass main-sequence star in a red giant

We present small-scale 3D hydrodynamical simulations of the evolution of a 0.3 M-circle dot main-sequence (MS) star that launches two perpendicular jets within the envelope of a 0.88 M-circle dot red giant (RG). Based on previous large-scale simulations, we study the dynamics of the jets either when the secondary star is grazing, when it has plunged-in, or when it is well within the envelope of the RG (in each stage for similar to 11 d). The dynamics of the jets through the common envelope (CE) depend on the conditions of the environment as well as on their powering. In the grazing stage and the commencement of the plunge self-regulated jets need higher efficiencies to break out of the envelope of the RG. Deep inside the CE, on the time-scales simulated, jets are choked independently of whether they are self-regulated or constantly powered. Jets able to break out of the envelope of the RG in large-scale simulations, are choked in our small-scale simulations. The accreted angular momentum on to the secondary star is not large enough to form a disc. The mass accretion on to the MS star is 1-10 per cent of the Bondi-Hoyle-Littleton rate (similar to 10(-3)-10(-1) M-circle dot yr(-1)). High-luminosity emission, from X-rays to ultraviolet and optical, is expected if the jets break out of the CE. Our simulations illustrate the need for inclusion of more realistic accretion and jet models in the dynamical evolution of the CEs.

Automated summary

We conducted small-scale 3D hydrodynamical simulations to study the evolution of a 0.3 M-circle dot main-sequence star that launches jets within the envelope of a 0.88 M-circle dot red giant. Our results showed that the dynamics of the jets breaking out of the envelope depend on the environment conditions and their powering, and that jets able to break out in large-scale simulations are choked in our small-scale simulations.