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Dynamics of magnetoviscous warped discs around compact objects

Arthur G. Suvorov1,2 and Kostas Glampedakis3,1

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Phys. Rev. D 114, 023036 – Published 21 July, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/mj63-ffjf

Abstract

Accretion discs that are tilted with respect to their compact hosts can warp out-of-plane through general relativistic frame dragging. Warp influences disc dynamics in ways that have been studied extensively, especially as regards instabilities that might lead to rapid angular-momentum cancellation between neighboring rings of fluid and mass infall. We provide a review of warped-disc phenomena here, revisiting key hydrodynamical assumptions that impact calculations of the shear viscosity controlling instability thresholds. Relativistic effects at the level of gas-parcel orbits are included, as are external Lorentz forces applied by the compact primary’s magnetic field. Semianalytic analysis reveals that intense magnetic fields can bring about new branches of warp modes and avoided crossings that significantly reduce the perpendicular viscosity at sub-Eddington accretion rates. Critical strengths required for misaligned torques to tear a thin disc may thus relax for systems like neutron star x-ray binaries or radio-loud active galactic nuclei.

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Phys. Rev. D 114, 023036– Published 21 July, 2026
  • Received 14 April 2026
  • Accepted 25 June 2026
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