Accretion onto neutron stars with the presence of a double layer

Journal Article · Sun Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1986 · Astrophys. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/164289· OSTI ID:5200027

Williams, A C; Weisskopf, M C; Elsner, R F; Darbro, W; Sutherland, P G

It is known from laboratory experiments that double layers can form in plasmas, usually in the presence of an electric current. It is argued that a double layer may be present in the accretion column of a neutron star in a binary system. It is suggested that the double layer may be the predominant deceleration mechanism for the accreting ions, especially for sources with X-ray luminosities of less than about 10 to the 37th erg/s. Previous models have involved either a collisionless shock or an assumed gradual deceleration of the accreting ions to thermalize the energy of the infalling matter. 58 references.

• Research Organization: NASA, Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL
• OSTI ID: 5200027
• Journal Information: Astrophys. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J.; (United States) Vol. 305; ISSN ASJOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640102* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Stars & Quasi-Stellar
Radio & X-Ray Sources
640103 -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Quasi-Stellar
Radio
& X-Ray Sources-- (-1987)
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
BINARY STARS
COSMIC RADIO SOURCES
COSMIC RAY SOURCES
COSMIC X-RAY SOURCES
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
ELECTRON DENSITY
ENERGY
EQUATIONS
KINETIC ENERGY
NEUTRON STARS
PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
PLASMA
POISSON EQUATION
PULSARS
STAR ACCRETION
STAR EVOLUTION
STARS