Black-hole X-ray transients: The effect of irradiation on time-dependent accretion disk structure

Abstract

Some effects of irradiation on time-dependent accretion-disk models for black hole X-ray novae are presented. Two types of irradiation are considered: direct irradiation from the inner hot disk and indirect irradiation as might be reflected by a corona or chromosphere above the disk. The shadowing effect of the time-dependent evolution of the disk height and consequent blocking of the outer disk by the inner and middle portions of the disk from the direct irradiation is included. The direct irradiation of the disk by inner layers where the soft X-ray flux is generated is found to have only a small effect on the outer disk because of shadowing. Mild indirect irradiation that flattens, but otherwise does not affect the light curve substantially, still has interesting non-linear effects on the structure of the disk as heating and cooling waves propagate. The irradiated disks do not always make simple transitions between the hot and cold states, but can linger at intermediate temperatures or even return temporarily to the hot state, depending on the irradiation and the activity in adjacent portions of the disk.