Accretion and Outflows of Rotating Magnetized Stars

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This research centers on accretion and outflow in rotating stars with magneticfields. Examples of such objects include young T Tauri stars, white dwarfs in cataclysmicvariables, and neutron stars in various binary systems. Here, a theoretical andcomputational effort will be undertaken in which advanced modeling codes, including a3D program using a cubed sphere numerical grid, will be used to investigate accretionand outflow processes among such stars. Specific goals are to: (1) Better understand howdisk material interacts with stellar magnetospheres, and which instabilities areresponsible for launching the disk matter to the magnetic field lines of the star. (2) Toexplore how the multipolar structure of a stellar magnetosphere influences the accretionprocess. And (3) to determine what is the dominant mechanism of launching outflowsfrom magnetized stars.The techniques and numerical methods developed here will also have general value andare applicable in other areas of science like planetary science, geophysics, earthmagnetospheric science, heliospheric science, and in engineering. Young scientists(including undergraduates and graduate students) will be trained inmagnetohydrodynamics. A research associate will also be supported who, in addition toworking closely with the Principle Investigators, will aid in the education of students.Results from this work will be incorporated into the groups outreach programs, includingand exhibit at the local Science Center and in an outreach program being developed forschool children and teachers.