Quasi-spherical accretion in X-ray pulsars

TL;DR

This paper develops a gas-dynamic theory of quasi-spherical, subsonic settling accretion in wind-fed X-ray pulsars, explaining their spin behaviors and torque-luminosity correlations at low luminosities.

Contribution

It introduces a new model incorporating anisotropic turbulence and angular momentum transfer in the accretion shell, advancing understanding of pulsar spin dynamics.

Findings

Almost iso-angular-momentum distribution in shells of long-period pulsars

Explains long-term spin-down in wind-fed pulsars like GX 1+4

Applicable to low-luminosity and non-stationary accretion phenomena

Abstract

Quasi-spherical accretion in wind-fed X-ray pulsars is discussed. At X-ray luminosities <4 10^{36} erg/s, a hot convective shell is formed around the neutron star magnetosphere, and subsonic settling accretion regime sets in. In this regime, accretion rate onto neutron star is determined by the ability of plasma to enter magnetosphere via Rayleigh-Taylor instability. A gas-dynamic theory of settling accretion is constructed taking into account anisotropic turbulence. The angular momentum can be transferred through the quasi-static shell via large-scale convective motions initiating turbulence cascade. The angular velocity distribution in the shell is found depending on the turbulent viscosity prescription. Comparison with observations of long-period X-ray wind-fed pulsars shows that an almost iso-angular-momentum distribution is most likely realized in their shells. The theory explains long-term spin-down in wind- fed accreting pulsars (e.g. GX 1+4) and properties of short-term torque-luminosity correlations. The theory can be applied to slowly rotating low-luminosity X-ray pulsars and non-stationary accretion phenomena observed in some SFXTs.