Figure 7: Mass-shedding indicator vs. orbital frequency ,
where is the fluid enthalpy and the derivative is measured at the NS surface in the equatorial
plane toward the companion and toward the pole in the direction of the angular momentum vector,
for a series of QE NS-NS sequences assuming equal-mass components. Here, corresponds
to a spherical NS, while indicates the onset of mass shedding. More massive NSs are more
compact, and thus able to reach smaller separations and higher angular frequencies before mass
shedding gets underway. Image reproduced by permission from Figure 19 of [305], copyright by AAS.
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