Observational manifestations of the common envelope in a close binary

Three-dimensional (3D) numerical models of close binaries are used to study the structure and dynamics of common envelopes formed due to periodic ejections of matter from the accretion disk through the vicinity of the Lagrange point L₃. The results are used to estimate the physical parameters of the envelope, including its 3D matter distribution, and the matter-flow configuration and dynamics. Possible observational manifestations of such envelopes are estimated. We present the envelope’s radialvelocity distributions at various phases and times, as well as model light curves taking into account extinction in the envelope. The envelope becomes optically thick for systems with high mass-exchange rates, ? > 10^?8 M _⊙/year, and has a significant influence on the binary’s observed features. The uneven phase distributions of the matter and density variations due to periodic injections of matter into the envelope are important for interpretations of observations of close binary stars.