Project Details
Projekt
Thermally-assisted magentocentrifugal outflows – theoretical predictions and observational signatures
Subject Area
Astrophysics and Astronomy
Term
since 2021
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 325594231
Outflows driven by large-scale magnetic fields likely play an important role in the evolution and dispersal of protoplanetary disks, and in setting the conditions for planet formation. We aim to produce realistic computer models of the inner regions of protoplanetary disks, taking into account radiative, thermodynamic and non-ideal magnetohydrodynamic aspects simultaneously. Extending our previous non-ideal MHD model with radiative transfer as well as a simplified thermochemistry (under external X-Ray and FUV ionization), we follow the dual aim of studying the influence of thermal launching and, at the same time, laying the foundation for synthetic observations. We, moreover, follow the Joule heating stemming from the inclusion of non-ideal MHD (which may be important in setting the disk temperature), as well as the evolution of the entrained vertical magnetic flux (determining the potential impact of the magnetized winds over evolutionary timescales). Based on line-radiative transfer post processing, we aim to demonstrate that velocity spectra and moment-1 maps of O and CS (as well as other species) show significant, potentially observable differences between models with and without magnetically driven outflows. In particular the shape of the line profiles, and velocity asymmetries in the moment-1 maps could enable the identification of outflows emanating from the surface of a disk. Based on this fiducial scenario, we plan to study more complex situations, such as disks with inner cavities (i.e., true transition disks), and those with planetary gaps.
DFG Programme
Research Units
International Connection
USA
Co-Investigator
Dr. Tommaso Grassi
Cooperation Partner
Dr. Jonathan Ramsey
