HEAD 2000, November 2000
Session 2. Active Galaxies
Display, Monday, November 6, 2000, 8:00am-6:00pm, Bora Bora Ballroom

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[2.08] Non-linear light curves and perturbations in spherical accretion onto black holes

R. Sivron (Bucknell University), A.K. Woodson (Truman State University)

There is growing evidence for non-linearity in light curves from AGN central engines. We present a model which produces non-linearity by introducing perturbations into the spherical accretion flow onto a black hole.

The non-linearity arises because each flare influences the efficiency with which subsequent flares can be produced. Flares are produced when a strong perturbation gives rise to efficient emission from a spherical shell with high energy density. The next few perturbations may then raise the energy density of the shell until another strong perturbation drains the reservoir. In addition, the energy density of a shell is dependent on its radial location; radiation from inner shells may be absorbed by outer shells.

We show that our model produces non-linear light curves that resemble existing AGN light curves.


If you would like more information about this abstract, please follow the link to http://www.eg.bucknell.edu/rsivron. This link was provided by the author. When you follow it, you will leave the Web site for this meeting; to return, you should use the Back comand on your browser.

The author(s) of this abstract have provided an email address for comments about the abstract: rsivron@bucknell.edu


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