State transitions triggered by inverse magnetic field: probably applied in high-mass X-ray binaries?
Year: 2016
Type: article
Abstract: Previous works suggested that the state transitions in an X-ray binary can be triggered by accreting an inverse magnetic field from its companion star. A key point of this mechanism is the accretion and magnification of large-scale magnetic fields from the outer boundary of a thin disk. However, how such a process can be realized is still an open question. In this work, we check this issue in a realistic X-ray binary system. According to our calculations, a quite strong initial magnetic field, B ∼ 10 2 − 10 3 G, is required in order to assure that the large-scale magnetic field can be effectively dragged inward and magnified with the accretion of gas. Thus, such a picture probably can be present in high-mass X-ray binaries possessing a strong stellar magnetic field, e.g., Cyg X-1.
Authors: Shuang-Liang Li, Zhen Yan
Institution: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W2233072483