A physical model for state transitions in black hole X-ray binaries

We present an accretion cycle which can explain state transitions and other observed phenomena in black hole X-ray binaries. This model is based on the process of disc tearing, where individual rings of gas break off the disc and precess effectively independently. This occurs when the Lense-Thirring...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society Vol. 437; no. 4; pp. 3994 - 3999
Main Authors:	Nixon, Chris, Salvesen, Greg
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	London Oxford University Press 01-02-2014
Subjects:	Black holes Corona Disks Double stars Viscosity X-ray astronomy hydrodynamics black hole physics X-rays: binaries accretion, accretion discs
Online Access:	Get full text
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Summary:	We present an accretion cycle which can explain state transitions and other observed phenomena in black hole X-ray binaries. This model is based on the process of disc tearing, where individual rings of gas break off the disc and precess effectively independently. This occurs when the Lense-Thirring effect is stronger than the local disc viscosity. We discuss implications of this model for quasi-periodic oscillations and the disc-jet-corona coupling. We also speculate on applying this model to active galactic nuclei and other accreting systems.
ISSN:	0035-8711 1365-2966
DOI:	10.1093/mnras/stt2215