Plasma Theory of Scorpius X-1 : Magnetohydrodynamic and Optical Analyses

概要

論文の詳細を見る
A theoretical model of Sco X-1 phenomena is developed, based on the idea of a magnetic white dwarf undergoing accretion. A magnetohydrodynamic analysis of the accreting plasma flow predicts a formation of shock-like structure at a distance R^^~-R from the stellar surface, where R is the stellar radius;inside the shock front, the plasma is heated through excitation of plasma turbulence, and thereby emits copious electromagnetic radiation mostly in the X-ray domain. We then carry out an optical analysis of the accreting plasma with emphasis on its luminosity and optical depth. The total luminosity of 10^<37> erg/sec and the cutoff frequency around 2.25 eV can be fitted with such magnetohydrodynamic and optical analyses by the choice of the parameters, for example: R=2×10^8cm, M=M_&xodoi;, R^^~-R=7.4×10^4cm, plasma density in the radiation domain =4.8×10^<18>cm^<-3>, and the surface magnetic field =1.8×10^6 gauss. The origin of the superthermal hard X-rays is accounted for terms of the stochastic acceleration of electrons in the turbulent plasma. A possible mechanism of radio flaring is also suggested.
1973-12-25