Magnetic Configuration Imprints on Quasi-Periodic Variability in GRMHD Simulations of Thin Accretion Disks

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Main Authors: Xia, Jing-Ze, Jiang, Hong-Xuan, Dihingia, Indu K., Mizuno, Yosuke
Format: Preprint
Published: 2026
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author Xia, Jing-Ze
Jiang, Hong-Xuan
Dihingia, Indu K.
Mizuno, Yosuke
author_facet Xia, Jing-Ze
Jiang, Hong-Xuan
Dihingia, Indu K.
Mizuno, Yosuke
contents The origin of quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) in black hole accretion flow remains uncertain, particularly regarding the role of magnetic field configurations in shaping disk structure and variability signatures. We investigate this using global two- and three-dimensional (2D and 3D) general relativistic magnetohydrodynamic (GRMHD) simulations of geometrically thin disks initialized with different multi-loop magnetic field configurations. These configurations naturally produce a puffed-up inner region. We find that QPO-like variability arises in the effective viscosity and mass accretion rate, with frequencies following the local radial epicyclic frequency and its harmonics. Time-series diagrams show coherent, inclined stripe-like patterns associated with inertial-acoustic perturbations, while power spectra exhibit narrow bands of enhanced variability linked to truncation radii associated with magnetic fields. Cross-correlation analysis reveals a finite lag between pressure and Maxwell stress at these interfaces, consistent with viscous-epicyclic overstability. The magnetic topology regulates both the truncation radius and the location of resonant cavities that sustain oscillations. As the disk becomes thicker, increased turbulent diffusion suppresses the overstability and the associated QPO signals. We find that the QPO frequency ranges and their evolution are consistent with observations of black hole X-ray binaries during outbursts. These results suggest that magnetic field configurations play a pivotal role in shaping disk structure and variability in accreting black holes.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2605_28676
institution arXiv
publishDate 2026
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Magnetic Configuration Imprints on Quasi-Periodic Variability in GRMHD Simulations of Thin Accretion Disks
Xia, Jing-Ze
Jiang, Hong-Xuan
Dihingia, Indu K.
Mizuno, Yosuke
High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena
The origin of quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) in black hole accretion flow remains uncertain, particularly regarding the role of magnetic field configurations in shaping disk structure and variability signatures. We investigate this using global two- and three-dimensional (2D and 3D) general relativistic magnetohydrodynamic (GRMHD) simulations of geometrically thin disks initialized with different multi-loop magnetic field configurations. These configurations naturally produce a puffed-up inner region. We find that QPO-like variability arises in the effective viscosity and mass accretion rate, with frequencies following the local radial epicyclic frequency and its harmonics. Time-series diagrams show coherent, inclined stripe-like patterns associated with inertial-acoustic perturbations, while power spectra exhibit narrow bands of enhanced variability linked to truncation radii associated with magnetic fields. Cross-correlation analysis reveals a finite lag between pressure and Maxwell stress at these interfaces, consistent with viscous-epicyclic overstability. The magnetic topology regulates both the truncation radius and the location of resonant cavities that sustain oscillations. As the disk becomes thicker, increased turbulent diffusion suppresses the overstability and the associated QPO signals. We find that the QPO frequency ranges and their evolution are consistent with observations of black hole X-ray binaries during outbursts. These results suggest that magnetic field configurations play a pivotal role in shaping disk structure and variability in accreting black holes.
title Magnetic Configuration Imprints on Quasi-Periodic Variability in GRMHD Simulations of Thin Accretion Disks
topic High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2605.28676