Classical disc physics
Abstract
I review the basic physical processes that determine the evolution of accretion discs. I first introduce the main properties of discs observed around young stars across the mass spectrum. I then turn to the analysis of the fundamental disc equations, highlighting several subtleties, in some cases rarely discussed in textbooks. I then discuss some classic accretion disc solutions, both steady state and time dependent. I emphasise the description of the outbursting FU Orionis objects, the class of protostellar objects best suited to investigating the accretion process. I discuss in some detail the possible physical mechanisms responsible for transport in accretion discs, with particular emphasis on gravitational instabilities, which are rarely discussed in this context.
- Publication:
-
New Astronomy Reviews
- Pub Date:
- June 2008
- DOI:
- 10.1016/j.newar.2008.04.002
- Bibcode:
- 2008NewAR..52...21L