NUMERICAL SIMULATIONS OF X-RAY BINARY PULSE PROFILES

We investigate the physical features of the accretion process in magne tic X-ray binaries. The characteristics of the accretion column and th e geometrical modulation effects due to the neutron star spin determin e the shape of the pulse profile. In order to constrain the possible s cenarios, we produce numerical simulations of the X-ray pulse profile, in different energy bands. As an example we reproduce the pulse profi le and hardness ratio curve of X Persei. Fan emission from a hollow se ction of cone, along with a non-thermal component can reproduce the ob served day of this source.