Abstract:
We present two-dimensional, numerical simulations of relativistic
accretion onto a Schwarzschild black hole, including a density
gradient in the initial conditions of the flow. Varying flow
velocities, sound speeds, adiabatic indices and density gradients,
we find that not only the morphology but also the stability of the
flow is strongly dependent on the above parameters. More specifically,
we find significant differences regarding the onset of the
so-called flip-flop instability (which is associated
with the shock cone in the rear part of the accretor) with
respect to previous Newtonian studies.