A limit-cycle model for the binary supersoft X-ray source RX J0513.9-6951

Abstract

We present new results of our X-ray monitoring of the transient binary supersoft X-ray source RX J0513.9-6951 in the LMC and of our re-analysis of optical light curves obtained during the MACHO project. We have covered a complete X-ray outburst cycle with the ROSAT HRI detector. From the amplitude and timescale of the soft X-ray variability, tight limits are derived for the temporal behaviour of the white-dwarf radius and the effective temperature of its envelope. A limit-cycle model is proposed to explain the observed optical and X-ray variability, the characteristic timescales of the durations of the X-ray on and off states, and those of the transitions between both states. Our observations confirm that the radius changes of the white-dwarf envelope occur on the Kelvin-Helmholtz timescale. The duration of the X-ray on and off states is compatible with the viscous timescales of the inner and outer accretion disk, respectively.