Accretion Disc Outbursts and Stability Analysis

Abstract

Accretion disc outbursts are re-occurring events observed in various astrophysical systems, including X-ray binaries and cataclysmic variables. These outbursts are characterized by a sudden increase in luminosity due to various instabilities in the accretion disc. We need to investigate the time-dependent accretion flow models to understand the mechanisms driving these outbursts. Time-dependent models incorporate the disc's time evolution and can capture the build-up of instabilities. This review aims to give a basic overview of accretion disc outburst and stability analysis. The paper highlights the necessity of considering the hierarchy of different timescales, dynamical, viscous, and thermal, when investigating the instabilities occurring in the accretion disc. The importance and observational implications of studying these accretion disc outbursts are also discussed.