X-ray irradiation in low mass binary systems

Details X-ray irradiation in low mass binary systems X-ray irradiation in low mass binary systems

1998-09-03

arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/9809036v1

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

to be published in MNRAS, uses epsfig.sty

Scientific paper

10.1046/j.1365-8711.1999.02212.x

We calculate self-consistent models of X-ray irradiated accretion discs in close binary systems. We show that a point X-ray source powered by accretion and located in the disc plane cannot modify the disc structure, mainly because of the self-screening by the disc of its outer regions. Since observations show that the emission of the outer disc regions in low mass X-ray binaries is dominated by the reprocessed X-ray flux, accretion discs in these systems must be either warped or irradiated by a source above the disc plane, or both. We analyse the thermal-viscous stability of irradiated accretion discs and derive the stability criteria of such systems. We find that, contrary to the usual assumptions, the critical accretion rate below which a disc is unstable is rather uncertain since the correct formula describing irradiation is not well known.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

X-ray irradiation in low mass binary systems 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 X-ray irradiation in low mass binary systems, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and X-ray irradiation in low mass binary systems will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-464133