Abstract
Dissipative heating can be sufficient to reduce the Mach number of supersonic spherical accretion to unity in the optically thin part of the flow: at a radius of order 10/sup 2/--10/sup 3/ Schwarzchild radii. If the flow at a larger radius is forced to be supersonic and cold, by some cooling process like collisional excitation of line radiation, the flow cannot be time-independent. The critical accretion rates below which accretion flows either are forced to be time dependent, or become optically thick before the minimum in the Mach number is reached, are determined. The implication for the time variability of quasars and active galactic nuclei is briefly discussed.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
