  In certain scalar-field extensions to general relativity, scalar charges can
develop on compact objects in an inspiraling binary -- an effect known as
dynamical scalarization. This effect can be modeled using
effective-field-theory methods applied to the binary within the post-Newtonian
approximation. Past analytic investigations focused on the adiabatic (or
quasi-stationary) case for quasi-circular orbits. In this work, we explore the
full dynamical evolution around the phase transition to the scalarized regime.
This allows for generic (eccentric) orbits and to quantify nonadiabatic (e.g.,
oscillatory) behavior during the phase transition. We also find that even in
the circular-orbit case, the onset of scalarization can only be predicted
reliably when taking the full dynamics into account, i.e., the adiabatic
approximation is not appropriate. Our results pave the way for accurate
post-Newtonian predictions for dynamical scalarization effects in gravitational
waves from compact binaries.

General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology