A physical model for state transitions in black hole X-ray binaries

Chris Nixon; Greg Salvesen

doi:10.1093/mnras/stt2215

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arXiv · 1311.2930

A physical model for state transitions in black hole X-ray binaries

Chris Nixon·Greg Salvesen

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Abstract

We present an accretion cycle which can explain state transitions and other observed phenomena in black hole X-ray binaries. This model is based on the process of disc tearing, where individual rings of gas break off the disc and precess effectively independently. This occurs when the Lense-Thirring effect is stronger than the local disc viscosity. We discuss implications of this model for quasi-periodic oscillations and the disc-jet-corona coupling. We also speculate on applying this model to active galactic nuclei and other accreting systems.

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Chris Nixon, Greg Salvesen. 2013-11-12. A physical model for state transitions in black hole X-ray binaries. https://doi.org/10.1093/mnras%2Fstt2215

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