Numerical Studies of Gravitational Accretion from X-Ray Heated Stellar Winds.
Abstract
We present three numerical models of accretion from radiation driven stellar winds onto compact objects in massive X-ray binary systems. The wind is given a velocity profile consistent with a radiatively driven wind, and a 'negative mass' gravitational potential is derived from this profile to represent the wind driving force in the hydrodynamic equations. An X-ray heating model is used which determines the X-ray heating time from the Compton heating time and the known steady state energies for optically thin gas illuminated by X-rays. This allows X-ray heating to be included in the hydrodynamic equations. The X-ray luminosity is held proportional to the accretion rate, assuming that the gravitational potential energy released is equivalent to 10% of the infalling rest-mass energy. A two-dimensional Eulerian computer code is used to solve the equations of motion. Model estimates of the ionization structure, accretion rates and flow characteristics, and the effects of thermal instabilities are discussed. The impact of the X-ray radiation on the wind driving force is demonstrated. Results indicate a possible mechanism for slow X-ray flares, such as observed in 4U1700-37.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA110098
Entities
People
- James Anthony Lupo
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology