Angular Momentum Transport Research Articles

In search of gravity mode signatures in main sequence solar-type stars observed by Kepler

Gravity modes (g modes), mixed gravito-acoustic modes (mixed modes), and gravito-inertial modes (gi modes) possess unmatched properties as probes for stars with radiative interiors. The structural and dynamical constraints that they are able to provide cannot be accessed by other means. While they provide precious insights into the internal dynamics of evolved stars as well as massive and intermediate-mass stars, their non-detection in main sequence (MS) solar-type stars make them a crucial missing piece in our understanding of angular momentum transport in radiative zones and stellar rotational evolution. In this work, we aim to apply certain analysis tools originally developed for helioseismology in order to look for g-mode signatures in MS solar-type stars. We select a sample of the 34 most promising MS solar-type stars with Kepler four-year long photometric time series. All these stars are well-characterised late F-type stars with thin convective envelopes, fast convective flows, and stochastically excited acoustic modes (p modes). For each star, we compute the background noise level of the Fourier power spectrum to identify significant peaks at low frequency. After successfully detecting individual peaks in 12 targets, we further analyse four of them and observe distinct patterns of surrounding peaks with a low probability of being noise artifacts. Comparisons with the predictions from reference models suggest that these patterns are compatible with the presence of non-asymptotic low-order pure g modes, pure p modes, and mixed modes. Given their sensitivity to both the convective core interface stratification and the coupling between p- and g-mode resonant cavities, such modes are able to provide strong constraints on the structure and evolutionary states of the related targets. Considering the granulation and activity background of the stars in our sample, we subsequently compute the corresponding mode velocity necessary to trigger a detectable luminosity fluctuation. We use it to estimate the surface velocity, ⟨vr⟩, of the candidate modes we have detected. In this case, we find ⟨vr⟩∼10 cm s−1. These results could be extremely useful for characterising the deep interior of MS solar-type stars, as the upcoming PLATO mission will considerably expand the size of the available working sample.

Trends in torques acting on the star during a star-disk magnetospheric interaction

Aims. We assess the modification of angular momentum transport in various configurations of star-disk accreting systems based on numerical simulations with different parameters. In particular, we quantify the torques exerted on a star by the various components of the flow and field in our simulations of a star-disk magnetospheric interaction. Methods. In a suite of resistive and viscous numerical simulations, we obtained results using different stellar rotation rates, dipole magnetic field strengths, and resistivities. We probed a part of the parameter space with slowly rotating central objects, up to 20% of the Keplerian rotation rate at the equator. Different components of the flow in star-disk magnetospheric interaction were considered in the study: a magnetospheric wind (i.e., the “stellar wind”) ejected outwards from the stellar vicinity, matter infalling onto the star through the accretion column, and a magnetospheric ejection launched from the magnetosphere. We also took account of trends in the total torque in the system and in each component individually. Results. We find that for all the stellar magnetic field strengths, B⋆, the anchoring radius of the stellar magnetic field in the disk is extended with increasing disk resistivity. The torque exerted on the star is independent of the stellar rotation rate, Ω⋆, in all the cases without magnetospheric ejections. In cases where such ejections are present, there is a weak dependence of the anchoring radius on the stellar rotation rate, with both the total torque in the system and torque on the star from the ejection and infall from the disk onto the star proportional to Ω⋆B3. The torque from a magnetospheric ejection is proportional to Ω⋆4. Without the magnetospheric ejection, the spin-up of the star switches to spin-down in cases involving a larger stellar field and faster stellar rotation. The critical value for this switch is about 10% of the Keplerian rotation rate.

Magnetic support, wind-driven accretion, coronal heating, and fast outflows in a thin magnetically arrested disc

ABSTRACT Accretion discs properties should deviate from standard theory when magnetic pressure exceeds the thermal pressure. To quantify these deviations, we present a systematic study of the dynamical properties of magnetically arrested discs (MADs), the most magnetized type of accretion disc. Using an artificial cooling function to regulate the gas temperature, we study MADs of three different thermal thicknesses, hth/r = 0.3, 0.1, and 0.03. We find that the radial structure of the disc is never mostly supported by the magnetic field. In fact, thin MADs are very near Keplerian. However, as discs gets colder, they become more magnetized and the largest deviations from standard theory appear in our thinnest disc with hth/r = 0.03. In this case, the disc is much more extended vertically and much less dense than in standard theory because of vertical support from the turbulent magnetic pressure and wind-driven angular momentum transport that enhances the inflow speed. The thin disc also dissipates a lot of thermal energy outside of z/r = ±0.03 and a significant fraction of this dissipation happens in mildly relativistic winds. The enhanced dissipation in low-density regions could possibly feed coronae in X-ray binaries (XRBs) and active galactic nuclei (AGNs). Wind-driven accretion will also impact the dynamical evolution of accretion discs and could provide a mechanism to explain the rapid evolution of changing-look AGN and the secular evolution of XRBs. Finally, our MAD winds have terminal velocities and mass-loss rates in good agreement with the properties of ultrafast outflows observed in AGN.

Assessment of a new sub-grid model for magnetohydrodynamical turbulence – II. Kelvin–Helmholtz instability

ABSTRACT The modelling of astrophysical systems such as binary neutron star mergers or the formation of magnetars from the collapse of massive stars involves the numerical evolution of magnetized fluids at extremely large Reynolds numbers. This is a major challenge for (unresolved) direct numerical simulations which may struggle to resolve highly dynamical features as, e.g. turbulence, magnetic field amplification, or the transport of angular momentum. Sub-grid models offer a means to overcome those difficulties. In a recent paper we presented MInIT, an MHD-instability-induced-turbulence mean-field, sub-grid model based on the modelling of the turbulent (Maxwell, Reynolds, and Faraday) stress tensors. While in our previous work MInIT was assessed within the framework of the magnetorotational instability, in this paper we further evaluate the model in the context of the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability (KHI). The main difference with other sub-grid models (as e.g. the alpha-viscosity model or the gradient model) is that in MInIT, we track independently the turbulent energy density at sub-grid scales, which is used, via a simple closure relation, to compute the different turbulent stresses relevant for the dynamics. The free coefficients of the model are calibrated using well-resolved box simulations of magnetic turbulence generated by the KHI. We test the model against these simulations and show that it yields order-of-magnitude accurate predictions for the evolution of the turbulent Reynolds and Maxwell stresses.

Magnetorotational instability in a swirling partially ionized gas

ABSTRACT The magnetorotational instability (MRI) has been proposed as the method of angular momentum transport that enables accretion in astrophysical discs. However, for weakly ionized discs, such as protoplanetary discs, it remains unclear whether the combined non-ideal magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) effects of Ohmic resistivity, ambipolar diffusion, and the Hall effect make these discs MRI stable. While much effort has been made to simulate non-ideal MHD MRI, these simulations make simplifying assumptions and are not always in agreement with each other. Furthermore, it is difficult to directly observe the MRI astrophysically because it occurs on small scales. Here, we propose the concept of a swirling gas experiment of weakly ionized argon gas between two concentric cylinders threaded with an axial magnetic field that can be used to study non-ideal MHD MRI. For our proposed experiment, we derive the hydrodynamic equilibrium flow and a dispersion relation for MRI that includes the three non-ideal effects. We solve this dispersion relation numerically for the parameters of our proposed experiment. We find it should be possible to produce a non-ideal MRI in such an experiment because of the Hall effect, which increases the MRI growth rate when the vertical magnetic field is anti-aligned with the rotation axis. As a proof of concept, we also present experimental results for a hydrodynamic flow in an unmagnetized prototype. We find that our prototype has a small, but non-negligible, α-parameter that could serve as a baseline for comparison to our proposed magnetized experiment, which could be subject to additional turbulence from the MRI.

The impact of magnetic fields on cosmological galaxy mergers – II. Modified angular momentum transport and feedback

ABSTRACT The role of magnetic fields in galaxy evolution is still an unsolved question in astrophysics. We have previously shown that magnetic fields play a crucial role in major mergers between disc galaxies; in hydrodynamic simulations of such mergers, the Auriga model produces compact remnants with a distinctive bar and ring morphology. In contrast, in magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations, remnants form radially extended discs with prominent spiral arm structure. In this paper, we analyse a series of cosmological ‘zoom-in’ simulations of major mergers and identify exactly how magnetic fields are able to alter the outcome of the merger. We find that magnetic fields modify the transport of angular momentum, systematically hastening the merger progress. The impact of this altered transport depends on the orientation of the field, with a predominantly non-azimuthal (azimuthal) orientation increasing the central baryonic concentration (providing support against collapse). Both effects act to suppress an otherwise existent bar-instability, which in turn leads to a fundamentally different morphology and manifestation of feedback. We note, in particular, that stellar feedback is substantially less influential in MHD simulations, which allows for the later accretion of higher angular momentum gas and the subsequent rapid radial growth of the remnant disc. A corollary of the increased baryonic concentration in MHD simulations is that black holes are able to grow twice as large, although this turns out to have little impact on the remnant’s development. Our results show that galaxy evolution cannot be modelled correctly without including magnetic fields.

Calibrating angular momentum transport in intermediate-mass stars from gravity-mode asteroseismology

Context. The physical mechanisms driving the transport of angular momentum in stars are not fully understood, as current models cannot explain the observed stellar rotation profiles across all stages of evolution. Aims. By making use of pulsating F-type dwarfs, we aim to (i) observationally calibrate the efficiency of angular momentum transport, assuming a constant uniform viscosity, and (ii) test how well state-of-the-art rotating stellar models with angular momentum (AM) transport by rotationally induced processes can explain observed rotation profiles. In both cases, the aim is to simultaneously reproduce the measured near-core rotation and core-to-surface rotation ratio. Methods. Asteroseismic modelling is applied to a sample of seven slowly rotating pulsators in order to derive (core) masses and ages from their gravity-mode oscillations. This work focuses on the main sequence (MS), using models that start with an initial uniform rotation frequency at the start of core-hydrogen burning, which is a free parameter. Two treatments of AM transport are considered: (i) a constant uniform viscosity, and (ii) rotationally induced processes (including the Spruit-Tayler dynamo). Next, the initial rotation frequency of each star is derived from the observed present-day near-core rotation frequency for both treatments. Results. Asteroseismic modelling of gravity mode periods reveals that all seven slowly rotating stars (one of which is not further modelled) in the sample are near the end of core-hydrogen burning. To explain the near-core rotation rate at the inferred age, initial rotation frequencies at the zero-age main sequence need to be below 10% of the initial critical break-up frequency. The derived initial rotation frequencies are consistent with previous works. Conclusions. A diffusive approximation of angular momentum transport can in general explain the observed rotation profiles of the six slowly rotating F-type dwarfs for average values of the viscosity of between 2 × 105 and 5 × 107 cm2 s−1 or when the viscosity is computed from rotationally induced mechanisms. Yet, for three stars in the sample, the core-to-surface rotation fraction from rotationally induced mechanisms is predicted to be higher than observed.

Angular momentum and lithium transport from main sequence to sub-giant and red giant low-mass stars

Context. Asteroseismology provides a unique opportunity to probe the interiors of evolved stars and constrain their internal rotation. The correct reproduction of the core rotation evolution has not yet been achieved, although it is key to understanding the internal processes involved in low-mass stars. Aims. We explore the efficiency required to reproduce the general behaviour of the transport of angular momentum along the evolution in view of asteroseismic constraints from giant low-mass stars. We analyse the consequences and predictions for lithium and beryllium surface abundances from the main sequence to red giant phase. Methods. We computed a series of models, which included atomic diffusion, rotation-induced mixing, magnetic braking, and additional processes tailored for main sequence low-mass stars. We extended these models to more evolved phases and investigated an updated angular momentum transport by including a time-dependent extra viscosity related to the azimuthal magneto-rotational instability. We compared our predictions to the asteroseismic measurements of the core and surface rotation of a sample of sub-giant and red giant stars. We compared the model predictions for the lithium and beryllium surface evolution with the available observations. Results. We confirm that a time-dependent additional viscosity νadd(t) is required to reproduce the general behaviour of the core rotation rate along successive stellar evolutionary phases given the dependence on the differential rotation and the mass. We show that it results in stronger lithium and beryllium depletions for low-mass stars over evolution. We confirm that predicted lithium abundances at the red giant bump by classical models, commonly used as references, cannot reproduce the lithium depletion along the main sequence and evolved phases of stellar evolution. We show that the observed amount of lithium of stars less massive than 1 M⊙ leads to a discrepancy between model predictions and observations at the red giant bump. Conclusions. We show that a semi-parametric model can reproduce the rotational behaviour along the first phases of evolution well, with the exception of the sharp transition observed during the sub-giant phase. This suggests that two distinct transport processes may be involved. The processes required to transport chemicals during the main sequence phase and angular momentum until the red giant phase impact the lithium depletion all along the evolutionary duration. A good prediction of the lithium abundance at young phases places strong constraints on the predicted one at more evolved phases. It also highlights discrepancies between models and observations for the lowest mass stars and impacts the threshold that defines lithium-rich giant stars, showing that classical models tend to overestimate this threshold.

Angular momentum transport by magnetic fields in main-sequence stars with Gamma Doradus pulsators

Context. Asteroseismic studies show that cores of post-main-sequence stars rotate more slowly than theoretically predicted by stellar models with purely hydrodynamical transport processes. Recent studies of main-sequence stars, particularly Gamma Doradus (γ Dor) stars, have revealed the internal rotation rates for hundreds of stars, offering a counterpart on the main sequence for studies of angular momentum transport. Aims. We investigate whether such a disagreement between observed and predicted internal rotation rates is present in main-sequence stars by studying angular momentum transport in γ Dor stars. Furthermore, we test whether models of rotating stars with internal magnetic fields can reproduce their rotational properties. Methods. We computed rotating models with the Geneva stellar evolution code taking into account meridional circulation and shear instability. We also computed models with internal magnetic fields using a general formalism for transport by the Tayler-Spruit dynamo. We then compared these models to observational constraints for γ Dor stars that we compiled from the literature, thus combining the core rotation rates, projected rotational velocities from spectroscopy, and constraints on their fundamental parameters. Results. We show that combining the different observational constraints available for γ Dor stars enable us to clearly distinguish the different scenarios for internal angular momentum transport. Stellar models with purely hydrodynamical processes are in disagreement with the data, whereas models with internal magnetic fields can reproduce both core and surface constraints simultaneously. Conclusions. Similarly to results obtained for subgiant and red giant stars, angular momentum transport in radiative regions of γ Dor stars is highly efficient, in good agreement with predictions of models with internal magnetic fields.

Spiral-wave-driven accretion in quiescent dwarf novæ

Context. In dwarf novæ (DNe) and low-mass X-ray binaries, the tidal potential excites spiral waves in the accretion disc. Spiral-wave-driven accretion may be important in quiescent discs, where the angular momentum transport mechanism has yet to be identified. Previous studies were limited to unrealistically high temperatures for numerical studies or to specific regimes for analytical studies. Aims. We perform the first numerical simulation of spiral-wave-driven accretion in the cold temperature regime appropriate to quiescent discs, which have Mach numbers ≳100. Methods. We used the new GPU-accelerated finite-volume code IDEFIX to produce global hydrodynamics 2D simulations of the accretion discs of DN systems with a sufficiently fine spatial resolution to capture the short scale-height of cold, quiescent discs with Mach numbers ranging from 80 to 370. Results. Running the simulations on timescales of tens of binary orbits shows transient angular momentum transport that decays as the disc relaxes from its initial conditions. We find the angular momentum parameter α drops to values of ≪10−2, too weak to drive accretion in quiescence.

Self-gravitating collapsing star and black hole spin-up in long gamma ray bursts

Context. Long gamma ray bursts (GRBs) originate from the collapse of massive, rotating stars. Some of the GRBs exhibit much stronger variability patterns in the prompt GRB emission than the usual stochastic variations. We discuss the mechanisms able to account for this effect. Aims We aim to model the process of stellar collapse in the scenario of a self-gravitating collapsing star. We account for the changes in Kerr metric induced by the growth of the black hole; accretion of angular momentum; and the self-gravity effect due to a large mass of the collapsing stellar core falling onto black hole in a very short time. We also investigate the existence of accretion shocks in the collapsar, and the role of magnetic field in their propagation. Methods. We compute the time-dependent axially symmetric general relativistic magnetohydrodynamic model of a collapsing stellar core in the dynamical Kerr metric. We explore the influence of self-gravity in such a star, where the newly formed black hole is increasing the mass and changing its spin. The Kerr metric evolves according to the mass and angular momentum changes during the collapse. We parameterize the rotation inside the star, and account for the presence of large-scale poloidal magnetic field. For the set of the global parameters, such as the initial black hole spin and the initial content of specific angular momentum in the stellar envelope, we determine the evolution of black hole parameters (mass and spin) and quantify the strength of the gravitational instability. We then estimate the variability timescales and amplitudes. Results. We find that the role of the gravitational instability measured by the value of the Toomre parameter is relatively important in the innermost regions of the collapsing star. The character of accretion rate variability strongly depends on the assumption of self-gravity in the model, and is also affected by the magnetic field. Additional factors are initial spin and rotation of the stellar core. We find that for subcritical rotation of the precollapsed star, a centrifugally supported mini-disc is present at the equatorial plane, and it may be subject to fragmentation due to self-gravitating instability. We also find that self-gravity may play a role in the angular momentum transport and that it generally lowers the final mass and spin of the black hole, while the accretion-rate variability amplitude is much larger in self-gravitating objects. The effect of magnetic field is rather weak, while it seems to decrease the strength of accretion shocks. The magnetisation affects the global properties of the flow in a non-linear way, and is manifested mostly in models with moderate initial black hole spins but supercritical rotation of the collapsing star. Conclusions. Our computations confirm that gravitational instability can account for flaring activity in GRBs and the variations in their prompt emission. Rapid variability detected in the brightest GRBs (most likely powered by rapidly spinning black holes) is consistent with the self-gravitating collapsar model, where the transonic shocks are formed. The effect should be weakened by magnetic field.

Numerical simulations of the Tayler–Spruit dynamo in proto-magnetars

ABSTRACT The Tayler–Spruit dynamo is one of the most promising mechanisms proposed to explain angular momentum transport during stellar evolution. Its development in proto-neutron stars spun-up by supernova fallback has also been put forward as a scenario to explain the formation of very magnetized neutron stars called magnetars. Using three-dimensional direct numerical simulations, we model the proto-neutron star interior as a stably stratified spherical Couette flow with the outer sphere that rotates faster than the inner one. We report the existence of two subcritical dynamo branches driven by the Tayler instability. They differ by their equatorial symmetry (dipolar or hemispherical) and the magnetic field scaling, which is in agreement with different theoretical predictions (by Fuller and Spruit, respectively). The magnetic dipole of the dipolar branch is found to reach intensities compatible with observational constraints on magnetars.

Time-domain observation of ballistic orbital-angular-momentum currents with giant relaxation length in tungsten

The emerging field of orbitronics exploits the electron orbital momentum L. Compared to spin-polarized electrons, L may allow the transfer of magnetic information with considerably higher density over longer distances in more materials. However, direct experimental observation of L currents, their extended propagation lengths and their conversion into charge currents has remained challenging. Here, we optically trigger ultrafast angular-momentum transport in Ni|W|SiO2 thin-film stacks. The resulting terahertz charge-current bursts exhibit a marked delay and width that grow linearly with the W thickness. We consistently ascribe these observations to a ballistic L current from Ni through W with a giant decay length (~80 nm) and low velocity (~0.1 nm fs−1). At the W/SiO2 interface, the L flow is efficiently converted into a charge current by the inverse orbital Rashba–Edelstein effect, consistent with ab initio calculations. Our findings establish orbitronic materials with long-distance ballistic L transport as possible candidates for future ultrafast devices and an approach to discriminate Hall-like and Rashba–Edelstein-like conversion processes.

The ESO UVES/FEROS Large Programs of TESS OB pulsators

Context. Modern stellar structure and evolution theory suffers from a lack of observational calibration for the interior physics of intermediate- and high-mass stars. This leads to discrepancies between theoretical predictions and observed phenomena that are mostly related to angular momentum and element transport. Analyses of large samples of massive stars connecting state-of-the-art spectroscopy to asteroseismology may provide clues as to how to improve our understanding of their interior structure. Aims. We aim to deliver a sample of O- and B-type stars at metallicity regimes of the Milky Way and the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) galaxies with accurate atmospheric parameters from high-resolution spectroscopy, along with a detailed investigation of line-profile broadening, both for the benefit of future asteroseismic studies. Methods. After describing the general aims of our two Large Programs, we develop a dedicated methodology to fit spectral lines and deduce accurate global stellar parameters from high-resolution multi-epoch UVES and FEROS spectroscopy. We use the best available atmosphere models for three regimes covered by our global sample, given its breadth in terms of mass, effective temperature, and evolutionary stage. Results. Aside from accurate atmospheric parameters and locations in the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram, we deliver detailed analyses of macroturbulent line broadening, including estimations of the radial and tangential components. We find that these two components are difficult to disentangle from spectra with signal-to-noise ratios of below 250. Conclusions. Future asteroseismic modelling of the deep interior physics of the most promising stars in our sample will provide much needed information regarding OB stars, including those of low metallicity in the LMC.

Study of a sample of faint Be stars in the exofield of CoRoT

Context. The search and interpretation of non-radial pulsations from Be star light curves observed with the CoRoT satellite requires high-quality stellar astrophysical parameters. Aims. The present work is devoted to the spectroscopic study of a sample of faint Be stars observed by CoRoT in the fourth long run (LRA02). Methods. The astrophysical parameters were determined from the spectra in the λλ4000–4500 Å wavelength domain observed with the VLT/FLAMES instruments at ESO. Spectra were fitted with models of stellar atmospheres using our GIRFIT package. Spectra obtained in the λλ6400–7200 Å wavelength domain enabled the confirmation or, otherwise, a first identification of Be star candidates. Results. The apparent parameters (Teff, log g, Vsin i) for a set of 19 B and Be stars were corrected for the effects induced by the rapid rotation. These allowed us to determine: (1) stellar masses that are in agreement with those measured for detached binary systems; (2) spectroscopic distances that agree with the Gaia parallaxes; and (3) centrifugal/gravity equatorial force ratios of ~0.6–0.7, which indicate that our Be stars are subcritical rotators. A study of the Balmer Hα, Hγ and Hδ emission lines produced: (1) extents of the circumstellar disk (CD) emitting regions that agree with the interferometric inferences in other Be stars; (2) R– dependent exponents n(R) = ln[ρ(R)/ρo]/ln(Ro/R) of the CD radial density distributions; and (3) CD base densities ρo similar to those inferred in other recent works. Conclusions. The Hγ and Hδ emission lines are formed in CD layers close to the central star. These lines produced a different value of the exponent n(R) than assumed for Hα. Further detailed studies of Hγ and Hδ emission lines could reveal the physical properties of regions where the viscous transport of angular momentum to the remaining CD regions is likely to originate from. The subcritical rotation of Be stars suggests that their huge discrete mass-ejections and concomitant non-radial pulsations might have a common origin in stellar envelope regions that become unstable to convection due to rotation. If it is proven that the studied Be stars are products of binary mass transfer phases, the errors induced on the estimated Teff by the presence of stripped sub-dwarf O/B companions are not likely to exceed their present uncertainties.

Scale-dependent analysis of angular momentum flux in high-resolution magnetohydrodynamic simulations for solar differential rotation

ABSTRACT In this work, we systematically investigate the scale-dependent angular momentum flux by analysing high-resolution three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic simulations in which the solar-like differential rotation is reproduced without using any manipulations. More specifically, the magnetic angular momentum transport (AMT) plays a dominant role in the calculations. We examine the important spatial scales for the magnetic AMT. The main conclusions of our approach can be summarized as follows: 1. Turbulence transports the angular momentum radially inward. This effect is more pronounced in the highest resolution calculation. 2. The dominant scale for the magnetic AMT is the smallest spatial scale. 3. The dimensionless magnetic correlation is low in the high-resolution simulation. Thus, chaotic but strong small-scale magnetic fields achieve efficient magnetic AMT.

Linear and non-linear properties of the Goldreich–Schubert–Fricke instability in stellar interiors with arbitrary local radial and latitudinal differential rotation

ABSTRACT We investigate the linear and non-linear properties of the Goldreich–Schubert–Fricke (GSF) instability in stellar radiative zones with arbitrary local (radial and latitudinal) differential rotation. This instability may lead to turbulence that contributes to the redistribution of angular momentum and chemical composition in stars. In our local Boussinesq model, we investigate varying the orientation of the shear with respect to the ‘effective gravity’, which we describe using the angle ϕ. We first perform an axisymmetric linear analysis to explore the effects of varying ϕ on the local stability of arbitrary differential rotations. We then explore the non-linear hydrodynamical evolution in three dimensions using a modified shearing box. The model exhibits both diffusive GSF instability and a non-diffusive instability that occurs when the Solberg-Høiland criteria are violated. We observe the non-linear development of strong zonal jets (‘layering’ in the angular momentum) with a preferred orientation in both cases, which can considerably enhance turbulent transport. By varying ϕ, we find instability with mixed radial and latitudinal shears transports angular momentum more efficiently (particularly if adiabatically unstable) than cases with purely radial shear (ϕ = 0). By exploring the dependence on box size, we find the transport properties of the GSF instability to be largely insensitive to this, implying we can meaningfully extrapolate our results to stars. However, there is no preferred length-scale for adiabatic instability, which therefore exhibits strong box-size dependence. These instabilities may contribute to the missing angular momentum transport required in red giant and subgiant stars and drive turbulence in the solar tachocline.

The distribution of accretion rates as a diagnostic of protoplanetary disc evolution

ABSTRACT We show that the distribution of observed accretion rates is a powerful diagnostic of protoplanetary disc physics. Accretion due to turbulent (‘viscous’) transport of angular momentum results in a fundamentally different distribution of accretion rates than accretion driven by magnetized disc winds. We find that a homogeneous sample of ≳300 observed accretion rates would be sufficient to distinguish between these two mechanisms of disc accretion at high confidence, even for pessimistic assumptions. Current samples of T Tauri star accretion rates are not this large, and also suffer from significant inhomogeneity, so both viscous and wind-driven models are broadly consistent with the existing observations. If accretion is viscous, the observed accretion rates require low rates of disc photoevaporation (≲10−9 M⊙ yr−1). Uniform, homogeneous surveys of stellar accretion rates can therefore provide a clear answer to the long-standing question of how protoplanetary discs accrete.

Magnetic Braking during Direct Collapse Black Hole Formation

Magnetic fields are expected to be efficiently amplified during the formation of the first massive black holes via the small-scale dynamo and in the presence of strong accretion shocks occurring during gravitational collapse. Here, we analyze high-resolution cosmological magnetohydrodynamical simulations of gravitational collapse in atomic cooling halos, exploring the dynamical role of magnetic fields, particularly concerning the effect of magnetic braking and angular momentum transport. We find that after the initial amplification, magnetic fields contribute to the transport of angular momentum and reduce it compared to pure hydrodynamical simulations. However, the magnetic and Reynolds torques do not fully compensate for the inward advection of angular momentum, which still accumulates over timescales of ∼1 Myr. A Jeans analysis further shows that magnetic pressure strongly contributes to suppressing fragmentation on scales of 0.1–10 pc. Overall, the presence of magnetic fields thus aids in the transport of angular momentum and favors the formation of massive objects.

Transition to the ultimate turbulent regime in a very wide gap Taylor-Couette flow (η = 0.1) with a stationary outer cylinder

The boundary layers in turbulent Taylor-Couette flow are exposed to transitions from laminar to turbulent states if the flow is sufficiently sheared. The present study examines this particular transition from the so-called “classical” to “ultimate” regime experimentally for a very wide-gap Taylor-Couette flow with a radius ratio of and shear Reynolds numbers of up to . In order to determine the transition, the angular momentum transport is measured by using torque sensors at the inner wall. This is complemented by measuring the radial and azimuthal velocities via a time-resolved Particle-Image-Velocimetry (PIV). The transition to the ultimate regime is found at . The dimensionless angular momentum flux showed an effective scaling of for and is in agreement with the scaling laws used for the ultimate regime in narrow-gap Taylor-Couette flows. In addition, a spectral analysis was performed showing the existence of highly energetic small-scale and large-scale patterns in the classical regime whereas only highly energetic large-scale patterns were observed in the ultimate regime.