Physics of Accretion Disks Around Black Holes

这项研究将开展三个密切相关的项目，使用完全广义相对论的三维磁流体力学模拟黑洞的吸积。第一种是研究广义相对论特有的特性，比如框架拖拽和巴丁-彼得森效应。第二个考虑辐射的作用，特别是辐射压力，可能的剧烈破坏不稳定性，依赖于当地条件的吸积率的任何变化，以及散热的分布。最后，这些结果将与观测结果更紧密地联系在一起，对铁线轮廓、银河系中心的预期辐射、光曲线的准周期特征以及伽马射线爆发的中心引擎进行预测。黑洞强烈地吸引了公众的兴趣，因此PI不时向学校或其他非专业观众发表演讲。来自研究模拟的数据也被用于另一个nsf资助的项目，该项目旨在为计算机辅助的三维可视化创造新的工具。

AST-0507455KrolikThis research will carry out three closely related projects using fully general relativistic three-dimensional magneto-hydrodynamic simulations of accretion onto black holes. The first involves studying those properties that are specifically due to general relativity, such as frame dragging and the Bardeen-Petterson effect. The second considers the role of radiation, and specifically radiation pressure, possible violently disruptive instabilities, any variation of the accretion rate dependent on local conditions, and the distribution of heat dissipation. Finally, those results will be tied more closely to observables, making predictions about iron line profiles, the radiation expected from the Galactic center, quasi-periodic features in light curves, and the central engine of gamma ray bursts.Black holes strongly catch the public's fancy, so that the PI from time to time gives talks to school or other lay audiences. Data from the research simulations are also used in a separate NSF-funded project whose aim is to create new tools for computer-assisted three-dimensional visualization.