Vortex funnels in accretion flows
Abstract
A study is carried out of the axisymmetric gravitational accretion of a perfect fluid with angular momentum. Flows are calculated with the aid of two coordinate expansions of the poloidal velocity potential. By way of example, the generalization of spherically symmetric inflow is presented in detail. The flows possess empty vortex cores that become cylindrical far from the accreting object with a width proportional to the fluid's angular momentum. In the study, the flow is assumed to be nonrelativistic, inviscid, isentropic, and axially symmetric. An ideal gas equation of state is adopted, and the self-gravity of the gas is neglected. The poloidal flow is assumed to be irrotational and the velocity of the fluid is assumed to approach zero at large distances from the accreting object.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- January 1982
- DOI:
- 10.1086/159599
- Bibcode:
- 1982ApJ...252..765S
- Keywords:
-
- Angular Momentum;
- Axisymmetric Flow;
- Gravitational Effects;
- Ideal Gas;
- Stellar Mass Accretion;
- Vortices;
- Axial Flow;
- Equations Of State;
- Flow Equations;
- Flow Velocity;
- Inviscid Flow;
- Isentropic Processes;
- Potential Flow;
- Astrophysics