Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-lj6df Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-04T19:29:18.562Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Theory of Turbulent Accretion Disks

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 September 2002

C. E.J.M.L.J. Terquem*
Affiliation:
Institut d'Astrophysique de Paris, France Université Denis Diderot-Paris VII, France
Get access

Abstract

In low-mass disks, turbulent torques are probably the most importantway of redistributing angular momentum. Here we present the theory ofturbulent accretion disks. We show the molecular viscosity is far toosmall to account for the evolutionary timescale of disks, and wedescribe how turbulence may result in enhanced transport of (angular)momentum. We then turn to the magnetorotational instability, whichthus far is the only mechanism that has been shown to initiate andsustain turbulence in disks. Finally, we present both the basis andthe structure of α disk models.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© EAS, EDP Sciences, 2002

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)