Equatorially Asymmetric Magnetic Fields and Their Impact on Black Hole Accretion Dynamics

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Authors: Ishika Palit, Indu K. Dihingia, Yosuke Mizuno, Hsiang-Yi Karen Yang
Cited by: 1
References: 60

Abstract

Abstract We investigate the impact of equatorial asymmetry in the magnetic field geometry on accretion dynamics around a spinning black hole using axisymmetric general relativistic magnetohydrodynamic simulations. We consider a Fishbone–Moncrief torus orbiting a Kerr black hole with spin parameter a = 0.9375, threaded by large-scale magnetic fields that are asymmetric about the equatorial plane. The degree of equatorial asymmetry in the magnetic field is parameterized by an angle, with values of 30°, 45°, and 60°. We examine how this equatorially asymmetric initial magnetic field configuration influences the magnetic field structure, accretion flow morphology, and angular momentum transport across a range of initial plasma beta values ( β = 0.007, 0.005, 0.001). We find that such deformation in the magnetic field leads to noticeable changes in the inner disk structure, asymmetric outflow patterns in the poloidal plane, and time-dependent variations in accretion rates. These effects are generally more pronounced at lower beta values, where magnetic pressure dominates; in particular, the 30° case at β = 0.001 exhibits strong and persistent asymmetric inflows and outflows. Our results demonstrate that equatorially asymmetric magnetic field configurations can significantly influence the structure and variability of relativistic accretion flows. These findings motivate future extensions to full three-dimensional studies, where black hole magnetospheres can be explored in a more general setting.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Astrophysical Phenomena and Observations Astrophysics and Cosmic Phenomena Dust and Plasma Wave Phenomena

Publication details

Journal / source
The Astrophysical Journal
Publisher
American Astronomical Society
Volume
999
Issue
1
Pages
121–121
Publication date
27 February 2026
Language
EN