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Article
Modelling X-ray Variability in the Structured Atmospheres of Hot Stars.
Astronomy & Astrophysics (2001)
  • L. M. Oskinova, University of Glasgow
  • R. Ignace, University of Iowa
  • J. C. Brown, University of Glasgow
  • J. P. Cassinelli, University of Wisconsin - Madison
Abstract

We describe X-ray production in the atmospheres of hot, early-type stars in the framework of a "stochastic shock model". The extended envelope of a star is assumed to possess numerous X-ray emitting "hot" zones that are produced by shocks and embedded in the ambient "cold" medium in dynamical equilibrium. It is shown that the apparent lack of X-ray variability on short (similar to hours) timescales do not contradict a shock model for X-ray production. The character of the X-ray variability is found to depend on the frequency with which hot zones are generated, the cool wind opacity to X-rays, and the wind ow parameters, such as mass loss rate and terminal speed.

Publication Date
July, 2001
Publisher Statement
Copyright © ESO 2001.
Citation Information
L. M. Oskinova, R. Ignace, J. C. Brown, and J. P. Cassinelli. "Modelling X-ray Variability in the Structured Atmospheres of Hot Stars." Astronomy & Astrophysics 373.3 (2001): 1009-1018.
DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361:20010669
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/richard_ignace/23