Measuring Precession in Tidal Disruption Events

Tidal Disruption Events (TDEs) provide a rare opportunity to study otherwise quiescent black holes, particularly those of lower masses, due to their extreme luminosities, which can rival those of supernovae. One proposed mechanism for the energy dissipation responsible for these luminous flares is the self-intersection of the debris stream, driven by relativistic apsidal precession. In this work, we aim to quantify this precession by deriving the relevant theoretical framework from first principles and applying the Laplace-Runge-Lenz (LRL) vector formalism to a hydrodynamical simulation of a TDE carried out using the RICH code. While the average behavior of the LRL vector aligns with general relativistic expectations, the substantial spread in the measured angles prevents any conclusive determination of the precession. This large scatter suggests that hydrodynamic interactions play a significant role in shaping the orbital evolution of the debris, and must be accounted for in future...Show moreTidal Disruption Events (TDEs) provide a rare opportunity to study otherwise quiescent black holes, particularly those of lower masses, due to their extreme luminosities, which can rival those of supernovae. One proposed mechanism for the energy dissipation responsible for these luminous flares is the self-intersection of the debris stream, driven by relativistic apsidal precession. In this work, we aim to quantify this precession by deriving the relevant theoretical framework from first principles and applying the Laplace-Runge-Lenz (LRL) vector formalism to a hydrodynamical simulation of a TDE carried out using the RICH code. While the average behavior of the LRL vector aligns with general relativistic expectations, the substantial spread in the measured angles prevents any conclusive determination of the precession. This large scatter suggests that hydrodynamic interactions play a significant role in shaping the orbital evolution of the debris, and must be accounted for in future efforts to interpret precession signatures in TDEs.Show less

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Measuring Precession in Tidal Disruption Events