Momentum transport from current-driven reconnection in astrophysical disks
arXiv:1109.5763 · doi:10.1088/0004-637X/743/2/192
Abstract
Current-driven reconnection is investigated as a possible mechanism for angular momentum transport in astrophysical disks. A theoretical and computational study of angular momentum transport from current-driven magnetohydrodynamic instabilities is performed. It is found that both a single resistive tearing instability and an ideal instability can transport momentum in the presence of azimuthal Keplerian flow. The structure of the Maxwell stress is examined for a single mode through analytic quasilinear theory and computation. Full nonlinear multiple mode computation shows that a global Maxwell stress causes significant momentum transport.
14 figures; Accepted for publication in ApJ
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