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

该奖项将支持一项探索非常年轻恒星周围吸积盘中湍流效应的理论努力。对圆盘理论的现代理解需要湍流的存在，以提供角动量传输所必需的粘性。湍流还有助于捕获所需的固体，以便迅速将尘埃聚集成越来越大的天体，从而导致行星的形成。将使用的理论模型基于三维磁流体力学计算，并包括了电阻率和气体冷却的影响。这项研究有望提高对恒星吸积和行星形成环境的理解。研究小组计划在该项目所用模拟的基础上创建计算机可视化，并将其分发给天文学社区。他们还将参加美国自然历史博物馆正在进行的外展和公共教育工作。

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.