Formation of stars and planets: the role of magnetic fields

DOI10.1007/S10509-011-0783-XzbMATH Open1230.85001arXiv1106.4179OpenAlexW3099033342MaRDI QIDQ657231FDOQ657231

Authors: Román Salmerón 

Publication date: 16 January 2012

Published in: Astrophysics and Space Science (Search for Journal in Brave)

Abstract: Star formation is thought to be triggered by gravitational collapse of the dense cores of molecular clouds. Angular momentum conservation during the collapse results in the progressive increase of the centrifugal force, which eventually halts the inflow of material and leads to the development of a central mass surrounded by a disc. In the presence of an angular momentum transport mechanism, mass accretion onto the central object proceeds through this disc, and it is believed that this is how stars typically gain most of their mass. However, the mechanisms responsible for this transport of angular momentum are not well understood. Although the gravitational field of a companion star or even gravitational instabilities (particularly in massive discs) may play a role, the most general mechanisms are turbulence viscosity driven by the magnetorotational instability (MRI), and outflows accelerated centrifugally from the surfaces of the disc. Both processes are powered by the action of magnetic fields and are, in turn, likely to strongly affect the structure, dynamics, evolutionary path and planet-forming capabilities of their host discs. The weak ionisation of protostellar discs, however, may prevent the magnetic field from effectively coupling to the gas and shear and driving these processes. Here I examine the viability and properties of these magnetically-driven processes in protostellar discs. The results indicate that, despite the weak ionisation, the magnetic field is able to couple to the gas and shear for fluid conditions thought to be satisfied over a wide range of radii in these discs.

Full work available at URL: https://arxiv.org/abs/1106.4179

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zbMATH Keywords

MHDaccretion discsaccretionISM: jets and outflowsstars: formation

Mathematics Subject Classification ID

Equations of motion in general relativity and gravitational theory (83C10) Galactic and stellar dynamics (85A05) Electromagnetic theory (general) (78A25) Stability and instability of geophysical and astrophysical flows (76E20) Galactic and stellar structure (85A15) Hydrodynamic and hydromagnetic problems in astronomy and astrophysics (85A30) Research exposition (monographs, survey articles) pertaining to astronomy and astrophysics (85-02) Planetary atmospheres (85A20)

Cites Work

• Topological analysis of chaotic dynamical systems
• Coagulation, fragmentation and radial motion of solid particles in protoplanetary disks
• MHD simulations of jet acceleration from Keplerian accretion disks

Cited In (3)

• About the influence of accounting the energy equation on the formation model of a large-scale vortical flow in the accreting envelope of a protostar
• Magnetic flux transport by turbulent reconnection in astrophysical flows
• A magnetic mechanism for halting inward protoplanet migration. I: Necessary conditions and angular momentum transfer timescales

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