Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
1996-12-11
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
10 pages, latex, paspconf.sty (included), 3 figures. To Appear in Proceedings of IAU #163, "Accretion Phenomena and Associated
Scientific paper
A geometrically thin, optically thick, warped accretion disk with a central source of luminosity is subject to non-axisymmetric forces due to radiation pressure; the resulting torque acts to modify the warp. Initially planar accretion disks are unstable to warping driven by radiation torque, as shown in a local analysis by Pringle (1996) and a global analysis of the stable and unstable modes by Maloney, Begelman, & Pringle (1996). In general, the warp also precesses. We discuss the nature of this instability, and its possible implications for accretion disks in X-ray binaries and active galactic nuclei. Specifically, we argue that this effect provides a plausible explanation for the misalignment and precession of the accretion disks in X-ray binaries such as SS 433 and Her X-1; the same mechanism explains why the maser disk in NGC 4258 is warped.
Begelman Mitchell C.
Maloney Philip R.
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