Rotation of T Tauri stars: accretion discs and stellar dynamos

Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

35

Accretion, Accretion Discs, Stars: Magnetic Fields, Stars: Pre-Main-Sequence, Stars: Rotation

Scientific paper

Observed rotation periods of T Tauri stars (TTS) lie in the range 1<~P (days) <~10, with a `fast rotator' group centred at P~3 d, and a `slow rotator' group centred at P~8 d. I show here that such periods are a natural consequence of the tendency of spin-down accretion torques to regulate the stellar rotation rates to values near the equilibrium rates determined by the interaction between circumstellar accretion discs and dynamo-generated magnetic fields of these stars. According to the theory sketched here, in a plot of stellar rotation periods against a parameter g, which depends on stellar properties and the accretion rate, TTS are expected to lie at or below a `spin-down line'. In a more approximate version of the theory, which utilizes an empirical correlation between the masses and accretion rates of TTS, the controlling parameter, g_cor, depends on stellar properties alone. Predictions from both theories are in agreement with observations. I discuss the role of both classical and weak-lined TTS in this view of pre-main-sequence angular momentum regulation.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

Rotation of T Tauri stars: accretion discs and stellar dynamos does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Rotation of T Tauri stars: accretion discs and stellar dynamos, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Rotation of T Tauri stars: accretion discs and stellar dynamos will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1635559

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.