Axisymmetric simulations of the convective overstability in protoplanetary discs
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Authors
Teed, RJ
Latter, Henrik
Publication Date
2021-11Journal Title
Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
ISSN
0035-8711
Publisher
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Volume
507
Issue
4
Pages
5523-5541
Type
Article
This Version
VoR
Metadata
Show full item recordCitation
Teed, R., & Latter, H. (2021). Axisymmetric simulations of the convective overstability in protoplanetary discs. Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, 507 (4), 5523-5541. https://doi.org/10.1093/mnras/stab2311
Abstract
<jats:title>ABSTRACT</jats:title>
<jats:p>Protoplanetary discs at certain radii exhibit adverse radial entropy gradients that can drive oscillatory convection (‘convective overstability’; COS). The ensuing hydrodynamical activity may reshape the radial thermal structure of the disc while mixing solid material radially and vertically or, alternatively, concentrating it in vortical structures. We perform local axisymmetric simulations of the COS using the code snoopy, showing first how parasites halt the instability’s exponential growth, and secondly, the different saturation routes it takes subsequently. As the Reynolds and (pseudo-) Richardson numbers increase, the system moves successively from (i) a weakly non-linear state characterized by relatively ordered non-linear waves, to (ii) wave turbulence, and finally to (iii) the formation of intermittent and then persistent zonal flows. In three dimensions, we expect the latter flows to spawn vortices in the orbital plane. Given the very high Reynolds numbers in protoplanetary discs, the third regime should be the most prevalent. As a consequence, we argue that the COS is an important dynamical process in planet formation, especially near features such as dead zone edges, ice lines, gaps, and dust rings.</jats:p>
Sponsorship
Science and Technology Facilities Council (ST/L000636/1)
Identifiers
External DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/mnras/stab2311
This record's URL: https://www.repository.cam.ac.uk/handle/1810/329883
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