English

Accretion Disks: Limit Cycles and Instabilities

Astrophysics 2007-05-23 v1

Abstract

The existing disk instability model for dwarf nova eruptions is reviewed, in the light of recent progress in the understanding of angular momentum transport in accretion disks. It is proposed that the standard lower branch in the ``S-curve'' in the effective temperature-surface density plane may not exist. Rather, angular momentum transport may be suppressed in quiescence as a result of cooling. The model for superoutbursts is also examined, and it is pointed out that recent simulations strongly support the idea of a thermal-tidal instability.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.astro-ph/9810035,
  title  = {Accretion Disks: Limit Cycles and Instabilities},
  author = {Mario Livio},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:astro-ph/9810035},
  year   = {2007}
}

Comments

33 pages (including 15 figures), to appear in "Astrophysical Discs" ASP Conf. Ser

R2 v1 2026-07-22T09:42:51.132Z