a_final/a_initial vs. r_{p, out}/r_bt for the stellar disk: γ = 0.5 (upper panel) and γ = 1.5 (lower panel). Both choices of γ demonstrate that for the majority of "mergers" tidal dissipation is not relevant (a_final/a_initial ~ 1). The region where tidal dissipation is important is r_{p, out} < 100 × r_bt. Once the stars leave the main sequence, their radii expand due to stellar evolution, and tidal effects may become even stronger. Such a combination of tidal effects and Kozai–Lidov cycles could lead to post-main-sequence coalescenc–strong-binary interaction.