A physical model for state transitions in black hole X-ray binaries

We present an accretion cycle which can explain state transitions and other observed phenomena in black hole X-ray binaries. This model is based on the process of disc tearing, where individual rings of gas break off the disc and precess effectively independently. This occurs when the Lense–Thirring effect is stronger than the local disc viscosity. We discuss implications of this model for quasi-periodic oscillations and the disc–jet–corona coupling. We also speculate on applying this model to active galactic nuclei and other accreting systems.