Numerical Simulations of Relativistic Wind Accretion onto Black Holes Using Godunov-Type Methods

We have studied numerically the so-called Bondi-Hoyle (wind) accretion onto a rotating black hole in general relativity. We have used the Kerr-Schild form of the Kerr metric, free of coordinate singularities at the black hole horizon. The ‘test-fluid’ approximation has been adopted, assuming no dynamical evolution of the gravitational field. We have used a formulation of the relativistic hydrodynamic equations which casts them into a first-order hyperbolic system of conservation laws. Our studies were performed using a Godunov-type scheme based on Marquina’s flux-formula.