arXiv subjects

Pedro J. Montero

Publications and source records attributed to Pedro J. Montero.

25 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2011

Oscillations of relativistic axisymmetric tori and implications for modelling kHz-QPOs in neutron-star X-ray binaries

We perform a global linear perturbative analysis, and investigate the oscillation properties of relativistic, non-selfgravitating tori orbiting around neutron stars in the slow rotation limit approximation. Extending the work done in Schwarzschild and Kerr backgrounds, we consider the axisymmetric oscillations of vertically integrated tori in the Hartle-Thorne spacetime. The equilibrium models are constructed by selecting a number of different non-Keplerian distributions of specific angular momentum, allowing for disc sizes $L \sim 0.5 - 600$ gravitational radii. Our results, obtained after solving a global eigenvalue problem to compute the xisymmetric $p$-modes, indicate that such oscillation modes could account with most observed lower ($ν_L$) and upper ($ν_U$) high frequency quasi-periodic oscillations for Sco X-1, and for some Z sources and Atoll sources with $ν_L\ gtrsim 500$ Hz. However, when $ν_L \lesssim 500$ Hz, $p$-modes oscillations do not account for the linear relation $ν_U = A ν_L + B$, $B \neq 0$ between the upper and the lower high frequency quasi-periodic oscillations that are observed in neutron star low-mass X-ray binaries.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2011

Gravitational waves from the Papaloizou-Pringle instability in black hole-torus systems

Black hole (BH)--torus systems are promising candidates for the central engine of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), and also possible outcomes of the collapse of supermassive stars to supermassive black holes (SMBHs). By three-dimensional general relativistic numerical simulations, we show that an $m=1$ nonaxisymmetric instability grows for a wide range of self-gravitating tori orbiting BHs. The resulting nonaxisymmetric structure persists for a timescale much longer than the dynamical one, becoming a strong emitter of large amplitude, quasiperiodic gravitational waves. Our results indicate that both, the central engine of GRBs and newly formed SMBHs, can be strong gravitational wave sources observable by forthcoming ground-based and spacecraft detectors.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2010

A new three-dimensional general-relativistic hydrodynamics code

We present a new three-dimensional general relativistic hydrodynamics code, the Whisky code. This code incorporates the expertise developed over the past years in the numerical solution of Einstein equations and of the hydrodynamics equations in a curved spacetime, and is the result of a collaboration of several European Institutes. We here discuss the ability of the code to carry out long-term accurate evolutions of the linear and nonlinear dynamics of isolated relativistic stars.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2010

Influence of self-gravity on the runaway instability of black hole-torus systems

Results from the first fully general relativistic numerical simulations in axisymmetry of a system formed by a black hole surrounded by a self-gravitating torus in equilibrium are presented, aiming to assess the influence of the torus self-gravity on the onset of the runaway instability. We consider several models with varying torus-to-black hole mass ratio and angular momentum distribution orbiting in equilibrium around a non-rotating black hole. The tori are perturbed to induce the mass transfer towards the black hole. Our numerical simulations show that all models exhibit a persistent phase of axisymmetric oscillations around their equilibria for several dynamical timescales without the appearance of the runaway instability, indicating that the self-gravity of the torus does not play a critical role favoring the onset of the instability, at least during the first few dynamical timescales.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2008

NADA: A new code for studying self-gravitating tori around black holes

We present a new two-dimensional numerical code called Nada designed to solve the full Einstein equations coupled to the general relativistic hydrodynamics equations. The code is mainly intended for studies of self-gravitating accretion disks (or tori) around black holes, although it is also suitable for regular spacetimes. Concerning technical aspects the Einstein equations are formulated and solved in the code using a formulation of the standard 3+1 (ADM) system, the so-called BSSN approach. A key feature of the code is that derivative terms in the spacetime evolution equations are computed using a fourth-order centered finite difference approximation in conjunction with the Cartoon method to impose the axisymmetry condition under Cartesian coordinates (the choice in Nada), and the puncture/moving puncture approach to carry out black hole evolutions. Correspondingly, the general relativistic hydrodynamics equations are written in flux-conservative form and solved with high-resolution, shock-capturing schemes. We perform and discuss a number of tests to assess the accuracy and expected convergence of the code, namely (single) black hole evolutions, shock tubes, and evolutions of both spherical and rotating relativistic stars in equilibrium, the gravitational collapse of a spherical relativistic star leading to the formation of a black hole. In addition, paving the way for specific applications of the code, we also present results from fully general relativistic numerical simulations of a system formed by a black hole surrounded by a self-gravitating torus in equilibrium.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2007

Dynamics of magnetized relativistic tori oscillating around black holes

We present a numerical study of the dynamics of magnetized, relativistic, non-self-gravitating, axisymmetric tori orbiting in the background spacetimes of Schwarzschild and Kerr black holes. The initial models have a constant specific angular momentum and are built with a non-zero toroidal magnetic field component, for which equilibrium configurations have recently been obtained. In this work we extend our previous investigations which dealt with purely hydrodynamical thick discs, and study the dynamics of magnetized tori subject to perturbations which, for the values of the magnetic field strength considered here, trigger quasi-periodic oscillations lasting for tens of orbital periods. Overall, we have found that the dynamics of the magnetized tori analyzed is very similar to that found in the corresponding unmagnetized models. The spectral distribution of the eigenfrequencies of oscillation shows the presence of a fundamental p mode and of a series of overtones in a harmonic ratio 2:3:.... These simulations, therefore, extend the validity of the model of Rezzolla et al.(2003a) for explaining the high-frequency QPOs observed in the spectra of LMXBs containing a black-hole candidate also to the case of magnetized discs with purely toroidal magnetic field distribution. If sufficiently compact and massive, these oscillations can also lead to the emission of intense gravitational radiation which is potentially detectable for sources within the Galaxy.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2004

Oscillations of vertically integrated relativistic tori -II. Axisymmetric modes in a Kerr spacetime

This is the second of a series of papers investigating the oscillation properties of relativistic, non-selfgravitating tori orbiting around black holes. Extending the work done in a Schwarzschild background, we here consider the axisymmetric oscillations of vertically integrated tori in a Kerr spacetime. The tori are modeled with a number of different non-Keplerian distributions of specific angular momentum and we discuss how the oscillation properties depend on these and on the rotation of the central black hole. We first consider a local analysis to highlight the relations between acoustic and epicyclic oscillations in a Kerr spacetime and subsequently perform a global eigenmode analysis to compute the axisymmetric p modes. In analogy with what found in a Schwarzschild background, these modes behave as sound waves that are modified by rotation and are globally trapped in the torus. For constant distributions of specific angular momentum, the eigenfrequencies appear in a sequence 2:3:4:... which is essentially independent of the size of the disc and of the black hole rotation. For non-constant distributions of angular momentum, on the other hand, the sequence depends on the properties of the disc and on the spin of the black hole, becoming harmonic for sufficiently large tori. We also comment on how p modes could explain the high frequency quasi-periodic oscillations observed in low-mass X-ray binaries with a black hole candidate and the properties of an equivalent model in Newtonian physics.

astro-ph↗