On the morphology of accretion flows with small non-zero specific angular momentum

Abstract

The morphology of adiabatic accretion flows with small non-zero specific angular momentum has been investigated in the axisymmetric and nonviscous limit. For an initial state characterized by a Bondi flow with the specific angular momentum distributed with respect to polar angle, a travelling shock wave forms which propagates more rapidly in the equatorial plane than in the plane perpendicular to it resulting in the formation of a hot torus. In cases where the incoming flow is restricted to lie near the equatorial plane, a strong wind forms directed away from this plane with the tendency for the formation of a nonsteady shock structure. As the height of the incoming flow is increased it is found that the resultant wind weakens. The parameter regime which delineates accretion flows characterized by a travelling shock and a nearly standing shock structure is presented.