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Paper: MRI-Driven Turbulence: From Local to Global
Volume: 474, Numerical Modeling of Space Plasma Flows (ASTRONUM2012)
Page: 59
Authors: Hawley, J. F.; Krolik, J. H.
Abstract: A primary mechanism for angular momentum transport in accretion disks is through Maxwell and Reynolds stresses associated with turbulence driven by the magneto-rotational instability (MRI). Numerical simulations are a powerful tool for investigation of nonlinear MHD turbulence in accretion disks, but it is difficult to determine the reliability of their quantitative predictions. Both local and global simulations have been used. Local simulations have the highest effective resolution in terms of grid zones per pressure scale height, while preserving the essential properties of differential rotation that are needed for the MRI. But such local simulations cannot account for fundamental disk properties such as accretion and jet and wind production. Global simulations, however, are far more challenging to resolve adequately. In this study we compare properties observed in local simulations to develop quantitative resolution criteria to judge the quality of global simulations. We identify several specific quantitative metrics along with the values associated with sufficient resolution.
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