Local Axisymmetric Simulations of Magneto-Rotational Instability in Radiation-Dominated Accretion Disks

Details Local Axisymmetric Simulations of Magneto-Rotational Instability in Radiation-Dominated Accretion Disks Local Axisymmetric Simulations of Magneto-Rotational Instability in Radiation-Dominated Accretion Disks

2001-10-11

arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0110272v1

Astrophys.J. 593 (2003) 992-1006

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

36 pages, 9 figures; accepted by the Astrophysical Journal

Scientific paper

10.1086/338081

We perform numerical simulations of magneto-rotational instability in a local patch of accretion disk in which radiation pressure exceeds gas pressure. Such conditions may occur in the central regions of disks surrounding compact objects in active galactic nuclei and Galactic X-ray sources. We assume axisymmetry, and neglect vertical stratification. The growth rates of the instability on initially uniform magnetic fields are consistent with the linear analysis of Blaes & Socrates 2001. As is the case when radiation effects are neglected, the non-linear development of the instability leads to transitory turbulence when the initial magnetic field has no net vertical flux. During the turbulent phase, angular momentum is transported outwards. The Maxwell stress is a few times the Reynolds stress, and their sum is about four times the mean pressure in the vertical component of the magnetic field. For magnetic pressure exceeding gas pressure, turbulent fluctuations in the field produce density contrasts about equal to the ratio of magnetic to gas pressure. These are many times larger than in the corresponding gas pressure dominated situation, and may have profound implications for the steady-state vertical structure of radiation-dominated disks. Diffusion of radiation from compressed regions damps turbulent motions, converting kinetic energy into photon energy.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Local Axisymmetric Simulations of Magneto-Rotational Instability in Radiation-Dominated Accretion Disks 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 Local Axisymmetric Simulations of Magneto-Rotational Instability in Radiation-Dominated Accretion Disks, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Local Axisymmetric Simulations of Magneto-Rotational Instability in Radiation-Dominated Accretion Disks will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-716109