Numerical simulations of X-ray binary pulse profiles

We investigate the physical features of the accretion process in magnetic X-ray binaries. The characteristics of the accretion column and the geometrical modulation effects due to the neutron star spin determine the shape of the pulse profile. In order to constrain the possible scenarios, we produce numerical simulations of the X-ray pulse profile, in different energy bands. As an example we reproduce the pulse profile and hardness ratio curve of X Persei. Fan emission from a hollow section of cone, along with a non-thermal component can reproduce the observed data of this source