A comparison of one and two dimensional models of transonic accretion discs around collapsed objects

Abstract

We construct models of the inner part of a transonic adiabatic accretion disc assuming constant specific angular momentum taking the vertical structure fully into account.\\ For comparison purposes, we construct the corresponding one dimensional viscous disc models derived under vertical averaging assumptions. The conditions under which a unique location for the critical/sonic point is obtained, given an appropriate set of exterior boundary conditions for these models, is also discussed. This is not unique if the standard '$\alpha$' prescription with viscous stress proportional to the angular velocity gradient is used.\\ We use a simple model to discuss the possible limitations on the form of the viscous stress arising from the requirement that viscous information must travel at a finite speed. Contrary to results in the existing literature, the viscous stress tends to be {\it increased} rather than reduced for the type of flows we consider in which the angular momentum and angular velocity gradients have opposite signs. However, finite propagation effects may result in a unique location for the sonic point.\\ We found good agreement between the radial flow and specific angular momentum profiles in the inner regions of the one dimensional models and those in the equatorial plane for corresponding two dimensional models which may be matched for a range of $\alpha$ between 0.1 and 10${}^{-4}$.

(To appear in M.N.R.A.S.) 25 pages, plain LaTeX, (8 figures available upon request), QMW 93-9

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