1998/10/02 by Mario Livio, Livio, Mario
Physics and Astronomy · #Astrophysics (astro-ph) #FOS: Physical sciences #astro-ph
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.astro-ph/9810035
33 pages (including 15 figures), to appear in "Astrophysical Discs" ASP Conf. Ser
arxiv created 1998/10/02 · arxiv updated 2009/12/01
The existing disk instability model for dwarf nova eruptions is reviewed, in the light of recent progress in the understanding of angular momentum transport in accretion disks. It is proposed that the standard lower branch in the ``S-curve'' in the effective temperature-surface density plane may not exist. Rather, angular momentum transport may be suppressed in quiescence as a result of cooling. The model for superoutbursts is also examined, and it is pointed out that recent simulations strongly support the idea of a thermal-tidal instability.