Black hole accretion: theoretical limits and observational implications

Details Black hole accretion: theoretical limits and observational implications Black hole accretion: theoretical limits and observational implications

2006-10-18

arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0610544v1

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

to appear in "Black Holes: from Stars to Galaxies" Proceedings IAU Symp. No. 238, eds. V. Karas & G. Matt; 4 pages, 2 figures,

Scientific paper

Recently, the issue of the role of the Eddington limit in accretion discs became a matter of debate. While the classical (spherical) Eddington limit is certainly an over-simplification, it is not really clear how to treat it in a flattened structure like an accretion disc. We calculate the critical accretion rates and resulting disc luminosities for various disc models corresponding to the classical Eddington limit by equating the attractive and repulsive forces locally. We also discuss the observational appearance of such highly accreting systems by analyzing their spectral energy distributions. Our calculations indicate that the allowed mass accretion rates differ considerably from what one expects by applying the Eddington limit in its classical form, while the luminosities only weakly exceed their classical equivalent. Depending on the orientation of the disc relative to the observer, mild relativistic beaming turns out to have an important influence on the disc spectra. Thus, possible super-Eddington accretion, combined with mild relativistic beaming, supports the idea that ultraluminous X-ray sources host stellar mass black holes and accounts partially for the observed high temperatures of these objects.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Black hole accretion: theoretical limits and observational implications 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 Black hole accretion: theoretical limits and observational implications, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Black hole accretion: theoretical limits and observational implications will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-99038