About Me

Hello! My name is Abinaya Swaruba Rajamuthukumar, and I am a theoretical stellar astrophysicist at the Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics in Garching, Munich. I recently defended my PhD under the supervision of Rüdiger Pakmor, Stephen Justham, and Selma de Mink.

Research Interests

My research focuses on the evolution and dynamics of multiple stellar systems, especially binaries and triples involving white dwarfs. I study how stellar interactions shape ultra-compact binaries in the Galaxy and how these systems can give rise to white dwarf explosions and Type Ia supernovae.

I work on the dynamics and evolution of triple star systems. I use the Multiple Stellar Evolution (MSE) code to model their long-term evolution and study how stellar evolution and dynamical interactions in these systems can lead to compact object mergers. These mergers may contribute to the Type Ia supernova population and produce sources detectable through both large-scale spectroscopic surveys, such as 4MOST, and gravitational-wave observatories, such as LISA.

I am also interested in the evolution of binary star systems, especially ultra compact binaries such as hot subdwarfs and white dwarfs. I use the MESA stellar evolution code to study how these systems can evolve into double detonation supernovae. I also explore how binary evolution contributes to the formation of hypervelocity runaway stars.

Through my work, I aim to better understand the physical processes that govern stellar evolution and the various pathways that lead to lives and explosives death of sun like stars.

Thank you for visiting.