Momentum transport from current-driven reconnection in astrophysical disks

F. Ebrahimi, S. C. Prager

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Current-driven reconnection is investigated as a possible mechanism for angular momentum transport in astrophysical disks. A theoretical and computational study of angular momentum transport from current-driven magnetohydrodynamic instabilities is performed. It is found that both a single resistive tearing instability and an ideal instability can transport momentum in the presence of azimuthal Keplerian flow. The structure of the Maxwell stress is examined for a single mode through analytic quasilinear theory and computation. Full nonlinear multiple-mode computation shows that a global Maxwell stress causes significant momentum transport.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number192
JournalAstrophysical Journal
Volume743
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 20 2011

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

Keywords

  • accretion, accretion disks
  • instabilities
  • magnetic fields
  • magnetic reconnection
  • magnetohydrodynamics (MHD)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Momentum transport from current-driven reconnection in astrophysical disks'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this