Launching jets from accretion belts

TL;DR

This paper proposes a novel model where sub-Keplerian accretion belts, instead of disks, can launch jets through magnetic field amplification in shear layers, impacting various astrophysical phenomena.

Contribution

It introduces the concept that accretion belts can generate jets via magnetic dynamo action, expanding jet formation theories beyond traditional disk models.

Findings

Magnetic fields are amplified in shear layers of accretion belts.

Polar outflows can originate from low-accretion regions near the poles.

The model has implications for supernovae and common envelope evolution.

Abstract

We propose that sub-Keplerian accretion belts around stars might launch jets. The sub-Keplerian inflow does not form a rotationally supported accretion disk, but it rather reaches the accreting object from a wide solid angle. The basic ingredients of the flow are a turbulent region where the accretion belt interacts with the accreting object via a shear layer, and two avoidance regions on the poles where the accretion rate is very low. A dynamo that is developed in the shear layer amplifies magnetic fields to high values. It is likely that the amplified magnetic fields form polar outflows from the avoidance regions. Our speculative belt-launched jets model has implications to a rich variety of astrophysical objects, from the removal of common envelopes to the explosion of core collapse supernovae by jittering jets.