On the angular momentum transfer on to compact stars in binary systems

Abstract

Results of three-dimensional numerical simulations of the gas transfer in close binary systems show that, in addition to the formation of a tidally induced spiral shock wave, it is also possible for accretion streams to be produced, having low specific angular momentum in a region close to the accreting star. These streams are mainly placed above the orbital disc but are also unevenly present in the equatorial plane. The relevance of such flows is related to formation of hot coronae or bulges in regions very close to the accretor centre. The eventual formation of such bulges and shock-heated flows is interesting in the context of advection-dominated solutions and for the explanation of spectral properties of the black hole candidates in binary systems.