An axisymmetric, nonstationary model of the central engine in an active galactic nucleus. II - Accretion disk electrodynamics

Journal Article · Fri Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1989 · Astrophysical Journal; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/168159· OSTI ID:7145692

Park, S J; Vishniac, E T ^[1]

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1. Texas Univ., Austin (USA)

The first paper of this series analyzed the axisymmetric, nonstationary electrodynamics of the central black hole in an active galactic nucleus. In this paper, the axisymmetric nonstationary electrodynamics of a surrounding magnetized accretion disk is analyzed in a similar way. Unlike the first paper, it is found that the power output due to the Blandford-Znajek process can be variable even on short time scales. This follows from the fact that the physical parameters of the accreting matter itself, rather than the boundary values at the event horizon of the black hole, appear in the power equation. This may explain the observed short time scale variability of active galactic nuclei. 12 refs.

• OSTI ID: 7145692
• Journal Information: Astrophysical Journal; (USA), Journal Name: Astrophysical Journal; (USA) Vol. 347; ISSN ASJOA; ISSN 0004-637X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640102 -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Stars & Quasi-Stellar
Radio & X-Ray Sources
640105* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Galaxies
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ACCRETION DISKS
ATMOSPHERES
BLACK HOLES
ELECTRODYNAMICS
FLUID MECHANICS
GALAXY NUCLEI
HYDRODYNAMICS
MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MECHANICS
STELLAR ATMOSPHERES
STELLAR MAGNETOSPHERES