Accretion and Outflows of Rotating Magnetized Stars

这一研究集中在具有磁场的旋转恒星中的吸积和外流。这类天体的例子包括年轻的金牛座T星、激变变星中的白色矮星和各种双星系统中的中子星。在这里，理论和计算的努力将进行先进的建模代码，包括三维程序使用立方体球数值网格，将被用来调查吸积和外流过程中这样的恒星。具体目标是：（1）更好地理解盘状物质如何与恒星磁层相互作用，以及哪些不稳定性是导致盘状物质发射到星星磁场线的原因。(2)探讨恒星磁层的多极结构如何影响吸积过程。（3）确定磁化星喷出流的主要机制，所发展的技术和数值方法在行星科学、地球物理学、地球磁层科学、日光层科学和工程等领域也具有普遍的应用价值。青年科学家（包括本科生和研究生）将接受磁流体力学培训。一名研究助理也将得到支持，他除了与主要研究者密切合作外，还将帮助学生的教育。这项工作的结果将被纳入小组的外展计划，包括在当地科学中心的展览和正在为学校儿童和教师制定的外展计划。

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.