Thermal instability in accretion flows onto degenerate stars

Details Thermal instability in accretion flows onto degenerate stars Thermal instability in accretion flows onto degenerate stars

Apr 1981

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1981apj...245l..23l&link_type=abstract

Astrophysical Journal, Part 2 - Letters to the Editor, vol. 245, Apr. 1, 1981, p. L23-L26.

Other

127

Binary Stars, Stellar Mass Accretion, Thermal Instability, White Dwarf Stars, X Ray Stars, Hydrodynamic Equations, Mass Transfer, Shock Wave Propagation, Stellar Models

Scientific paper

The discovery of a new kind of thermal instability in accretion flows onto stellar atmospheres is reported. The instability results in periodic variations in the height of the standoff shock which forms above the stellar surface. The hard X-ray temperature and luminosity vary with this period, as does any other radiation produced in the hot gas between the shock and the surface. Conditions for the appearance of this instability are most favorable in accreting white dwarf stars, such as cataclysmic variables and AM Her stars. It is suggested that a search for such variability be carried out in AM Her stars in both the hard X-ray and UV-optical bands. The resulting period, which is of order 1-100 s for AM Her stars, permits the determination of the accretion rate per unit area at the stellar surface.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Thermal instability in accretion flows onto degenerate stars does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Thermal instability in accretion flows onto degenerate stars, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Thermal instability in accretion flows onto degenerate stars will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-781803