Stochastic modeling of kHz quasi-periodic oscillation light curves

• Published in: Astronomy and astrophysics (Berlin) Vol. 452; no. 2; pp. 383 - 386
• Main Authors: Vio, R., Rebusco, P., Andreani, P., Madsen, H., Overgaard, R. V.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Les Ulis EDP Sciences 01.06.2006
• Subjects: accretion; accretion disks; Astronomy; Earth, ocean, space; Exact sciences and technology; methods: data analysis; methods: statistical; relativity; X-rays: binaries; Data analysis; Neutron stars; Turbulence; methods: data analysis; X-rays: binaries; Black holes; accretion, accretion disks; Light curves; Parametric resonance; Binary X ray source; Cosmic x-ray sources; Accretion disks; Quasi periodic variation; Statistical method; methods: statistical; X-ray binary stars; relativity; Cosmology; Models; Modelling; Forcing; Gravity
• ISSN: 0004-6361; 1432-0746
• DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361:20054432

Aims.Kluźniak & Abramowicz explain the high frequency, double peak, “3:2” QPOs observed in neutron star and black hole sources in terms of a non-linear parametric resonance between radial and vertical epicyclic oscillations of an almost Keplerian accretion disk. The 3:2 ratio of epicyclic frequencies occurs only in strong gravity. Recently, a simple model incorporating their suggestion was studied analytically: the result is that a small forcing may indeed excite the parametric 3:2 resonance. However, no explanation has been provided on the nature of the forcing which is given an “ad hoc” deterministic form. Methods.In the present paper the same model is considered. The equation are numerically integrated, dropping the ad hoc forcing and adding instead a stochastic term to mimic the action of the very complex processes that occur in accretion disks as, for example, MRI turbulence. Results.We demonstrate that the presence of the stochastic term is able to trigger the resonance in epicyclic oscillations of nearly Keplerian disks, and it influences their pattern.