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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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