Prototyping non-equilibrium viscous-timescale accretion theory using LMC X-3

Abstract

Explaining variability observed in the accretion flows of black hole X-ray binary systems remains challenging, especially concerning timescales less than, or comparable to, the viscous timescale but much larger than the inner orbital period despite decades of research identifying numerous relevant physical mechanisms. We take a simplified but broad approach to study several mechanisms likely relevant to patterns of variability observed in the persistently high-soft Roche-lobe overflow system LMC X-3. Based on simple estimates and upper bounds, we find that physics beyond varying disk/corona bifurcation at the disk edge, Compton-heated winds, modulation of total supply rate via irradiation of the companion, and the likely extent of the partial hydrogen ionization instability is needed to explain the degree, and especially the pattern, of variability in LMC X-3 largely due to viscous dampening. We then show how evaporation--condensation may resolve or compound the problem given the uncertainties associated with this complex mechanism and our current implementation. We briefly mention our plans to resolve the question, refine and extend our model, and alternatives we have not yet explored.

14 pages, 13 figures

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Cited by in corpus (10)

• Implementation of Two Component Advective Flow Solution in XSPEC
• Determination of mass of IGR J17091-3624 from "Spectro-Temporal" variations during onset-phase of the 2011 outburst
• Estimation of Mass of Compact Object in H 1743-322 from 2010 and 2011 Outbursts using TCAF Solution and Spectral Index - QPO Frequency Correlation
• Inference on accretion flow dynamics using TCAF solution from the analysis of spectral evolution of H 1743-322 during 2010 outburst
• The 2004 Outburst of BHC H1743-322: Analysis of spectral and timing properties using the TCAF Solution
• Segregation of a Keplerian disc and sub-Keplerian halo from a Transonic flow around a Black Hole by Viscosity and Cooling processes
• Evolution of Accretion Disc Geometry of GRS~1915+105 during its $\chi$ state as revealed by TCAF solution
• Accretion-ejection in rotating black holes: a model for `outliers' track of radio-X-ray correlation in X-ray binaries
• Modeling the Optical-X-ray Accretion Lag in LMC X-3: Insights Into Black-Hole Accretion Physics
• Smearing of mass accretion rate variation by viscous processes in accretion disks in compact binary systems