Flux Modulation from Non-Axisymmetric Stuctures in Accretion Discs
Abstract
Non-axisymmetric accretion discs can lead to flux variability. Here we provide an analytic framework for modeling non-axisymmetric structures like hotspots and spiral waves and their influence on observed timing measurements. The presently unexplained Low-frequency Quasi-Periodic Oscillations (LFQPO), observed in X-ray binaries and cataclysmic variables, could be the result of such discs. Our framework serves as a guide to quantify the properties that non-axisymmetric structures produced by nonlinear accretion disc models must have in order to explain observed features such as LFQPOs. The results from our microquasar appliations also provide analogous predictions for X-ray modulation in active galactic nuclei. The formalism and physical interpration is of practical use for generic non-axisymmetric accretion disc systems.
Cite
@article{arxiv.astro-ph/0506120,
title = {Flux Modulation from Non-Axisymmetric Stuctures in Accretion Discs},
author = {P. Varniere and E. Blackman},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:astro-ph/0506120},
year = {2009}
}
Comments
accepter by New Ast