Energy considerations in axisymmetric accretion

Journal Article · Fri Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1977 · Astrophys. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/155146· OSTI ID:7309434

Wolfson, R

The axisymmetric accretion equations of Bondi and Hoyle are extended through the inclusion of a pressure gradient term and an energy equation. The equations are solved for the Mach number as a function of distance from the gravitating point mass, and two families of solutions are found, depending on the specific heat ratio ..gamma... For sufficiently small ..gamma.. the solutions remain subsonic in the outflowing region of the accretion wake. For larger ..gamma.., a supersonic transition occurs in the outflowing region. For all values of ..gamma.. the infalling flow is gravitationally accelerated to supersonic velocities. It is shown that the infall velocity solution is nearly independent of ..gamma.., a result with considerable practical significance for the solution of accretion problems involving realistic energy equations.

• Research Organization: Department of Physics and Astronomy, Dartmouth College
• OSTI ID: 7309434
• Journal Information: Astrophys. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J.; (United States) Vol. 213:1; ISSN ASJOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640102* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Stars & Quasi-Stellar
Radio & X-Ray Sources
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
FLUID FLOW
FLUID MECHANICS
GAS FLOW
GRAVITATION
HYDRODYNAMICS
MACH NUMBER
MECHANICS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
SHOCK WAVES
SPECIFIC HEAT
STAR ACCRETION
STAR EVOLUTION
THERMODYNAMIC PROPERTIES
VELOCITY