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Relativistic tidal interaction of a white dwarf with a massive black holeWe compute encounters of a realistic white dwarf model with a massive black hole in the regime where relativistic effects are important, using a three-dimensional, finite-difference, Eulerian, piecewise parabolic method (PPM) hydrodynamical code. Both disruptive and nondisruptive encounters are considered. We identify and discuss relativistic effects important for the problem: relativistic shift of the pericenter distance, time delay, relativistic precession, and the tensorial structure of the tidal forces. In the nondisruptive case, stripping of matter takes place. In the surface layers of the surviving core, complicated hydrodynamical phenomena are revealed. In both disruptive and nondispruptive encounters, material flows out in the form of two thin, S-shaped, supersonic jets. Our results provide realistic initial conditions for the subsequent investigation of the dynamics of the debris in the field of the black hole. We evaluate the critical conditions for complete disruption of the white dwarf, and compare our results with the corresponding results for nonrelativistic encounters.
Document ID
19950039624
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Frolov, V. P.
(University of Alberta Edmonton, Canada)
Khokhlov, A. M.
(University of Texas, Austin, TX United States)
Novikov, I. D.
(The Copenhagen University Observatory, Copenhagen, Denmark)
Pethick, C. J.
(NORDITA Copenhagen, Denmark)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
September 10, 1994
Publication Information
Publication: Astrophysical Journal, Part 1
Volume: 432
Issue: 2
ISSN: 0004-637X
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Accession Number
95A71223
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF PHY-91-00283
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-1583
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-2975
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF AST-91-15143
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSCERC-OGP0138712
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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