One-dimensional Linear Analysis and Numerical Simulations of Alfvén Waves in a Force-free Magnetosphere around a Kerr Black Hole

Abstract We perform 1D linear analysis and numerical simulations of the propagation of Alfvén waves in a force-free magnetosphere along magnetic field lines around a spinning black hole. We use the results to investigate the dynamic process of wave propagation and energy transport for Alfvén waves. As in a previous study using the Banados–Teitelboim–Zanelli spacetime, the Alfvén wave induces a fast magnetosonic wave in the case of a spinning black hole. Energy conservation is confirmed when this additional induced magnetosonic wave is considered. We also observe the reflection of the inwardly propagating Alfvén wave around the static limit, which is prohibited in theory when using the eikonal approximation.