Stable Mass Transfer Mass-Ratio Predictions

Explore how the observable mass-ratio distribution of merging binary black holes changes under a simple stable mass transfer (SMT) model. Adjust the physical parameters below to see the predicted p(q_obs) distribution, and optionally overlay the intrinsic BH mass-ratio p(q_BH).

$f_\text{SN,a}$0.20

$f_\text{SN,b}$0.20

$f_\text{core}$0.34

$\beta$0.50

$\zeta_\text{eff}$6.5

Show $p(q_\text{BBH})$

Parameters

$f_{\text{SN,a}}$: Fractional mass loss of the primary during supernova.
$f_{\text{SN,b}}$: Fractional mass loss of the secondary during supernova.
$f_{\text{core}}$: Core mass fraction of the donor star at the onset of mass transfer.
$\beta$: Mass-transfer efficiency, the fraction of transferred mass retained by the accretor.
$\zeta_{\text{eff}}$: Effective adiabatic index of the donor, controlling the stability boundary.

Based on the model from van Son et al. (2022).