Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2005-04-04
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Accepted A&A
Scientific paper
10.1051/0004-6361:20052706
Field-channelled accretion flows occur in a variety of astrophysical objects, including T Tauri stars,magnetic cataclysmic variables and X-ray pulsars. We consider a curvilinear coordinate system and derive a general hydrodynamic formulation for accretion onto stellar objects confined by a stellar dipole magnetic field. The hydrodynamic equations are solved to determine the velocity, density and temperature profiles of the flow. We use accreting magnetic white-dwarf stars as an illustrative example of astrophysical applications. Our calculations show that the compressional heating due to the field geometry is as important as radiative cooling and gravity in determining the structure of the post-shock flow in accreting white-dwarf stars. The generalisation of the formulation to accretion flows channelled by higher-order fields and the applications to other astrophysical systems are discussed.
Canalle Joao. B. G.
Cropper Mark
Ramsay Gavin
Saxton Curtis J.
Wu Kinwah
No associations
LandOfFree
Accretion in dipole magnetic fields: flow structure and X-ray emission of accreting white dwarfs 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 Accretion in dipole magnetic fields: flow structure and X-ray emission of accreting white dwarfs, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Accretion in dipole magnetic fields: flow structure and X-ray emission of accreting white dwarfs will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-280222