Open AccessThe behaviour of quiescent accretion discs in dwarf novae
Author(s) -
Truss M. R.,
Wynn G. A.,
Wheatley P. J.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
monthly notices of the royal astronomical society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.058
H-Index - 383
eISSN - 1365-2966
pISSN - 0035-8711
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2966.2004.07236.x
Subject(s) - physics , dwarf nova , astrophysics , accretion (finance) , radius , white dwarf , dissipation , accretion disc , astronomy , cataclysmic variable star , brightness , effective temperature , intermediate polar , stars , thermodynamics , computer security , computer science
We propose a simple explanation for the constant mean brightness observed between outbursts in dwarf novae. Secular changes in the total energy dissipation rate of the accretion disc brought about by variations in surface density, temperature and disc radius can be regulated by the gradual cooling of a small, critically stable hot inner region. The hypothesis is supported by two‐dimensional time‐dependent numerical models of dwarf nova accretion discs.