Layered accretion, vortex excitation, and planet formation in circumstellar disks

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This award will support a theoretical effort to explore the effects of turbulence in accretion disks around very young stars. The modern understanding of disk theory requires the presence of turbulence in order to provide the viscosity necessary for angular momentum transport. Turbulence can also assist the trapping of solids needed to quickly aggregate dust into progressively larger bodies, leading to planet formation. The theoretical models to be used are based on three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamical calculations, and include the effects of resistivity and gas cooling.The research is expected to improve the understanding of accretion onto stars and the environment in which planet formation occurs. The research team plans to create computer visualizations based on the simulations used for this project, and to distribute these to the astronomical community. They will also participate in ongoing outreach and public education efforts at the American Museum of Natural History.