Axially symmetrical models of the products of a conservative merger of a binary white dwarf with similar-mass components

The possibility of a conservative merger of a binary white dwarf whose components have similar masses is studied. Axially symmetrical models for single, rapidly rotating white dwarfs that are possible products of such mergers are constructed and their physical characteristics investigated. The merger products must be turbulent, and the viscosity of the electron gas is not sufficient to support the observed luminosities of massive, bright white dwarfs. The amount of dissipative energy and the timescale for its release are estimated.