Is Fusion possible at the accretion disk of a Black Hole?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the possibility of nuclear fusion occurring in the accretion disk of a black hole, exploring whether the conditions present in such environments could allow for fusion processes similar to those in stars. Participants consider the implications of energy levels, the role of tidal forces, and the specific conditions above or below the event horizon.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the gas in the accretion disk could potentially reach temperatures sufficient for fusion, suggesting that calculations are needed to explore this further.
  • Others question whether fusion could occur above or below the event horizon and whether fusion processes would continue until iron is formed or could exceed that limit.
  • One participant asserts that fusion is not possible near a black hole due to tidal forces overwhelming gravitational attraction, referencing the inability of binary star systems to form in such proximity.
  • A later reply seeks clarification on the concept of tidal forces in this context, emphasizing the energetic nature of the accretion disk and questioning the feasibility of fusion under those conditions.
  • Another participant mentions that while fusion may not occur near black holes, nucleosynthesis could happen around gamma-ray bursters or in active galactic nuclei.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the possibility of fusion occurring in the accretion disk of a black hole, with no consensus reached on the feasibility of such processes. Some argue for the potential of fusion, while others firmly state it is not possible due to tidal forces.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the conditions necessary for fusion and the specific dynamics of accretion disks, which may not be fully resolved. The references to external research suggest ongoing inquiry into related topics, but the applicability to the original question remains unclear.

Qentanglement
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So if we have a supermassive black hole or a regular black hole with gas swirling around it. Can this gas get hot enough to fuse with other gas molecules around it? It seems like there would be enough energy to do this, maybe not. This question seems non-trivial and I think it needs some calculations. What is the answer to this question?
 
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And, to expand on the question, would this happen above or below the event horizon, and would fusions continue until you get Iron? Or, would there be excess energy to go more massive than Iron?
 
Fusion is not possible in the vicinity of a black hole. Tidal forces overwhelm gravitational attraction. Binary star systems do to not form is such close proximity.
 
Wait wait wait, I don't understand what you mean by tidal forces. There are no oceans involved. (jk) But really, what tidal forces are you talking about? Sure Binary star systems do not form near black holes, but that's not what I was asking.

I was asking, being more clear this time, "Is it possible for the fusion process to happen in the most energetic part of the accretion disk?" "Since the accretion disk is so energetic, shouldn't there be enough energy for say two hydrogen nuclei to fuse?"
 
Qentanglement said:
So if we have a supermassive black hole or a regular black hole with gas swirling around it. Can this gas get hot enough to fuse with other gas molecules around it? It seems like there would be enough energy to do this, maybe not. This question seems non-trivial and I think it needs some calculations. What is the answer to this question?

It appears to be possible

http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1987ApJ...313..674C
http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2000A&A...353.1029M

and it's a major topic of current research

http://www.lsw.uni-heidelberg.de/nic2010/talks/McLaughlin.pdf
 
Chronos said:
Fusion is not possible in the vicinity of a black hole. Tidal forces overwhelm gravitational attraction. Binary star systems do to not form is such close proximity.

I think you are thinking about stellar black holes. It's likely that there is some nucleosynthesis around gamma ray bursters or in active galactic nuclei.
 

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