arXiv subjects

Henrik N. Latter

Publications and source records attributed to Henrik N. Latter.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Global magnetohydrodynamic simulations of the inner regions of protoplanetary discs. II. Vertical-net-flux regime

The inner regions of protoplanetary discs, which encompass the putative habitable zone, are dynamically complex, featuring a relatively well-ionised, turbulent active zone located interior to a poorly ionised 'dead' zone. In this second paper, we investigate a model of the magnetohydrodynamic processes around the interface between these two regions, using five three-dimensional global magnetohydrodynamic simulations of discs threaded by a large-scale poloidal-net-flux magnetic field. We employ physically motivated profiles for Ohmic resistivity and ambipolar diffusion, alongside a simplified thermodynamic model comprising a cool disc and hot corona. Our results show that, first, the interface acts as a one-way barrier to inward transport of large-scale magnetic flux from the dead zone. This leads to magnetic flux depletion throughout most of the active zone, whereby it either advects inwards to the inner numerical boundary or accumulates just inside the interface. Second, two sources of strong variability emerge from the interface due to the difficulty of maintaining a constant, vertically integrated electrical current across distinct and evolving magnetic-field states. Third, despite the weak magnetothermal wind in the dead zone, a pressure maximum forms at the interface, leading to Rossby-wave-induced vortices. Fourth, unlike the model of Iwasaki et al. (2024), there is no 'transition zone' devoid of magnetic flux and magnetic winds. Instead, multiple outflow zones span all disc radii reflecting the radially varying launch conditions, with an inner turbulent wind impinging upon an outer, more laminar one. Fifth, a heated corona prevents the 'puffing up' of poloidal-net-flux, active disc regions.

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arXiv2025

Global magnetohydrodynamic simulations of the inner regions of protoplanetary discs. I. Zero-net flux regime

The inner regions of protoplanetary discs, which encompass the putative habitable zone, are dynamically complex, featuring a well-ionised, turbulent active inner region and a poorly ionised `dead' outer region. In this first paper, we investigate a base-level model of the magnetohydrodynamic processes around the interface between these two regions, using five three-dimensional global magnetohydrodynamic simulations in the zero-net flux regime. We employ physically motivated profiles for Ohmic resistivity and ambipolar diffusion, alongside a simplified thermodynamic model comprising a cool disc and hot corona. Our results show that, first, large-scale coherent poloidal magnetic field loops form in the magnetorotational instability active region. These loops lead to the accumulation of tightly wound magnetic flux at the disc-corona temperature transition, driving strong, localised accretion flows in the surface layers of the active region. Second, an axisymmetric pressure maximum, extending across multiple disc scale heights, develops as a result of outward mass transport from the active region. This, in turn, triggers the Rossby wave instability and leads to the development of anticyclonic vortices. Third, the dead zone develops magnetic field with a distinct morphology, likely resulting from the outward diffusion of the large-scale poloidal loops in the active zone. This self-consistently generated field exhibits a vertical structure that can drive accretion in the inner dead zone via a weak magnetic-pressure wind. In the second paper in the series, we extend this work to the vertical-net flux regime, where global magnetic flux transport and magnetically driven outflows become dynamically significant.

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arXiv2025

On the numerical convergence of MRI simulations

The magnetorotational instability (MRI) plays a crucial role in the evolution of many types of accretion disks. It is often studied using ideal-MHD numerical simulations. In principle, such simulations should be numerically converged, i.e. their properties should not change with resolution. Convergence is often assessed via the MRI quality factor, $Q$, the ratio of the Alfvén length to the grid-cell size. If it is above a certain threshold, the simulation is deemed numerically converged. In this paper we argue that the quality factor is not a good indicator of numerical convergence. First, we test the performance of the quality factor on simulations known to be unconverged, i.e. local ideal-MHD simulations with zero net-flux, and show that their $Q$s are well over the typical convergence threshold. The quality-factor test thus fails in these cases. Second, we take issue with the linear theory underpinning the use of $Q$, which posits a constant vertical field. This is a poor approximation in real nonlinear simulations, where the vertical field can vary rapidly in space and generically exhibits zeros. We calculate the linear MRI modes in such cases and show that the MRI can reach near-maximal growth rates at arbitrarily small scales. Yet, the quality factor assumes a single and well-defined scale, near the Alfvén length, below which the MRI cannot grow. We discuss other criticisms and suggest a modified quality factor that addresses some, though not all, of these issues.

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arXiv2025

Instability and vertical eccentricity variation in global hydrodynamic disk simulations

Many dynamical interactions can induce eccentricities in astrophysical accretion disks. Disk eccentricities in turn seed a variety of instabilities, even in ideal hydrodynamics. We use 3D nonlinear simulations and 2+1D linear calculations to characterize local and global instabilities in strongly distorted disks. On local scales, our simulations show the growth of parametrically excited inertial waves, which drive wave turbulence. The inertial waves' growth rates and localizations agree with the predictions of local theory. On global scales, we observe the growth of a separate family of low-frequency, vertically structured modes that compare favorably with eigenmodes computed from the linear theory of an eccentric background state. These low-frequency modes interact nonlinearly with the inertial wave turbulence driven by parametric instability, and they induce variation in eccentricity profiles that are initially uniform in the vertical direction. Extrapolating from our vertically local framework, we postulate that these secondary distortions may correspond to the corrugation of an initially planar eccentric disk. Our simulations demonstrate that strong disk eccentricities drive numerous dynamical phenomena even in a purely hydrodynamic, Newtonian framework.

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arXiv2025

High-resolution models of the vertical shear instability

(abridged) Context: The vertical shear instability (VSI) is a promising mechanism to generate turbulence and transport angular momentum in protoplanetary discs. While most recent work has focused on adding more complex physics, the saturation properties of the instability in radially extended discs and its convergence as a function of resolution are still largely unknown. We tackle the question of VSI saturation and associated turbulence using radially extended fully 3D global disc models at very high resolution so as to capture both the largest VSI scales and the small-scale turbulent cascade. We use the GPU-accelerated code Idefix to achieve resolutions of up to 200 points per scale height in the 3 spatial directions, with a full 2pi azimuthal extent and disc aspect ratio H/R=0.1. Results: We demonstrate that large-scale transport properties are converged with 100 points per scale height, leading to a Shakura-Sunyaev alpha=1.3e-3. Inner boundary condition artifacts propagate deep inside the computational domain, leading to reduced alpha in these regions. The large-scale corrugation wave zones identified in 2D models survive in 3D, albeit with less coherence. Our models show no sign of long-lived zonal flows, pressure bumps or vortices, in contrast to lower-resolution simulations. Finally, we show that the turbulent cascade resulting from VSI saturation can be interpreted in the framework of critically balanced rotating turbulence. Conclusion: The VSI leads to vigorous turbulence in protoplanetary discs, associated with outward angular momentum transport but without any significant long-lived features that could enhance planet formation. The innermost regions of VSI simulations are always polluted by boundary-condition artifacts affecting the first VSI wave train, so radially extended domains should be used in a more systematic manner.

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arXiv2025

Local three-dimensional simulations of the convective overstability in protoplanetary discs

At certain radii protoplanetary discs may sustain a form of oscillatory convection (`convective overstability'; COS) due to localised adverse entropy gradients. The resulting hydrodynamical activity can produce coherent structures, such as zonal flows and vortices, that may concentrate solid material and aid their further coagulation. In this paper we extend previous axisymmetric runs by performing local three-dimensional simulations of the COS, using the code SNOOPY. As parameters are varied, we characterise how the various axisymmetric COS saturated states are transformed in 3D, while also tracking their interrelationship with the subcritical baroclinic instability. In particular, at low Reynolds number (Re) our 3D simulations exhibit similar weakly nonlinear and wave turbulent states to our earlier axisymmetic runs. At higher Re, but low Peclet number (Pe), we obtain bursty cycles involving the creation of zonal flows, the subsequent development of planar vortices, and their destruction by elliptical instability. For larger Pe, however, zonal flows can persist, alongside weaker more elongated vortices. These results further reveal the diversity of the COS's behaviour, and show that solid accumulation via COS-induced vortices may not be straightforward.

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arXiv2025

The vertical shear instability in protoplanetary discs as an outwardly travelling wave. I. Linear theory

We revisit the global linear theory of the vertical shear instability (VSI) in protoplanetary discs with an imposed radial temperature gradient. We focus on the regime in which the VSI has the form of a travelling inertial wave that grows in amplitude as it propagates outwards. Building on previous work describing travelling waves in thin astrophysical discs, we develop a quantitative theory of the wave motion, its spatial structure and the physical mechanism by which the wave is amplified. We find that this viewpoint provides a useful description of the large-scale development of the VSI in global numerical simulations, which involves corrugation and breathing motions of the disc. We contrast this behaviour with that of perturbations of smaller scale, in which the VSI grows into a nonlinear regime in place without significant radial propagation.

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arXiv2024

The physical mechanism of the streaming instability

The main hurdle of planet formation theory is the metre-scale barrier. One of the most promising ways to overcome it is via the streaming instability (SI). Unfortunately, the mechanism responsible for the onset of this instability remains mysterious. It has recently been shown that the SI is a Resonant Drag Instability (RDI) involving inertial waves. We build on this insight and clarify the physical picture of how the SI develops, while bolstering this picture with transparent mathematics. Like all RDIs, the SI is built on a feedback loop: in the `forward action', an inertial wave concentrates dust into clumps; in the `backward reaction', those drifting dust clumps excite an inertial wave. Each process breaks into two mechanisms, a fast one and a slow one. At resonance, each forward mechanism can couple with a backward mechanism to close a feedback loop. Unfortunately, the fast-fast loop is stable, so the SI uses the fast-slow and slow-fast loops. Despite this last layer of complexity, we hope that our explanation will help understand how the SI works, in which conditions it can grow, how it manifests itself, and how it saturates.

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arXiv2024

A physical picture for the acoustic resonant drag instability

Mixtures of gas and dust are pervasive in the universe, from AGN and molecular clouds to proto-planetary discs. When the two species drift relative to each other, a large class of instabilities can arise, called resonant drag instabilities (RDIs). The most famous RDI is the streaming instability, which plays an important role in planet formation. On the other hand, acoustic RDIs, the simplest kind, feature in the winds of cool stars, AGN, or starburst regions. Unfortunately, owing to the complicated dynamics of two coupled fluids (gas and dust), the underlying physics of most RDIs is mysterious. In this paper, we develop a clear physical picture of how the acoustic RDI arises and support this explanation with transparent mathematics. We find that the acoustic RDI is built on two coupled mechanisms. In the first, the converging flows of a sound wave concentrate dust. In the second, a drifting dust clump excites sound waves. These processes feed into each other at resonance, thereby closing an unstable feedback loop. This physical picture helps decide where and when RDIs are most likely to happen, and what can suppress them. Additionally, we find that the acoustic RDI remains strong far from resonance. This second result suggests that one can simulate RDIs without having to fine-tune the dimensions of the numerical domain.

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arXiv2022

Wavelike nature of the vertical shear instability in global protoplanetary disks

The vertical shear instability (VSI) is a robust phenomenon in irradiated protoplanetary disks (PPDs). The majority of previous numerical simulations have focused on the turbulent properties of its saturated state. However, the saturation of the VSI manifests as large-scale coherent radially travelling inertial waves. In this paper, we study inertial-wave-disk interactions and their impact on VSI saturation. Inertial-wave linear theory is developed and applied to a representative global 2D simulation using the Athena++ code. It is found that the VSI saturates by separating the disk into several radial wave zones roughly demarcated by corotation resonances (turning points); this structure also manifests in modest radial variations in the vertical turbulence strength. Future numerical work should employ large radial domains to accommodate this radial structure of the VSI, while concurrently adopting sufficiently fine resolutions to resolve the parametric instability that attacks the saturated VSI inertial waves.

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arXiv2022

The vertical shear instability in poorly ionised, magnetized protoplanetary discs

Protoplanetary discs should exhibit a weak vertical variation in their rotation profiles. Typically this `vertical shear' issues from a baroclinic effect driven by the central star's radiation field, but it might also arise during the launching of a magnetocentrifugal wind. As a consequence, protoplanetary discs are subject to a hydrodynamical instability, the `vertical shear instability' (VSI), whose breakdown into turbulence could transport a moderate amount of angular momentum and facilitate, or interfere with, the process of planet formation. Magnetic fields may suppress the VSI, however, either directly via magnetic tension or indirectly through magnetorotational turbulence. On the other hand, protoplanetary discs exhibit notoriously low ionisation fractions, and non-ideal effects, if sufficiently dominant, may come to the VSI's rescue. In this paper we develop a local linear theory that explores how non-ideal MHD influences the VSI, while also launching additional diffusive shear instabilities. We derive a set of analytical criteria that establish when the VSI prevails, and then show how it can be applied to a realistic global model of a protoplanetary disc. Our calculations suggest that within ~10au the VSI should have little trouble emerging in the main body of the disk, but beyond that, and in the upper regions of the disc, its onset depends sensitively on the size of the preponderant dust grains.

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arXiv2021

The stress-pressure lag in MRI turbulence and its implications for thermal instability in accretion discs

The classical alpha-disc model assumes that the turbulent stress scales linearly with -- and responds instantaneously to -- the pressure. It is likely, however, that the stress possesses a non-negligible relaxation time and will lag behind the pressure on some timescale. To measure the size of this lag we carry out unstratified 3D magnetohydrodynamic shearing box simulations with zero-net-magnetic-flux using the finite-volume code PLUTO. We impose thermal oscillations of varying periods via a cooling term, which in turn drives oscillations in the turbulent stress. Our simulations reveal that the stress oscillations lag behind the pressure by $\sim 5$ orbits in cases where the oscillation period is several tens of orbits or more. We discuss the implication of our results for thermal and viscous overstability in discs around compact objects.

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arXiv2021

Magnetohydrodynamic convection in accretion discs

Convection has been discussed in the field of accretion discs for several decades, both as a means of angular momentum transport and also because of its role in controlling discs' vertical structure via heat transport. If the gas is sufficiently ionized and threaded by a weak magnetic field, convection might interact in non-trivial ways with the magnetorotational instability (MRI). Recently, vertically stratified local simulations of the MRI have reported considerable variation in the angular momentum transport, as measured by the stress to thermal pressure ratio $α$, when convection is thought to be present. Although MRI turbulence can act as a heat source for convection, it is not clear how the instabilities will interact dynamically. Here we aim to investigate the interplay between the two instabilities in controlled numerical experiments, and thus isolate the generic features of their interaction. We perform vertically stratified, 3D MHD shearing box simulations with a perfect gas equation of state with the conservative, finite-volume code PLUTO. We find two characteristic outcomes of the interaction between the two instabilities: straight MRI and MRI/convective cycles, with the latter exhibiting alternating phases of convection-dominated flow (during which the turbulent transport is weak) and MRI-dominated flow. During the latter phase we find that $α$ is enhanced by nearly an order of magnitude, reaching peak values of $\sim 0.08$. In addition, we find that convection in the non-linear phase takes the form of large-scale and oscillatory convective cells. Convection can also help the MRI persist to lower Rm than it would otherwise do. Finally we discuss how our results help interpret simulations of Dwarf Novae.

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arXiv2020

HFQPOs and discoseismic mode excitation in eccentric, relativistic discs. I. Hydrodynamic simulations

High-frequency quasi-periodic oscillations (HFQPOs) observed in the emission of black-hole X-ray binary systems promise insight into strongly curved spacetime. `Discoseismic' oscillations with frequencies set by the intrinsic properties of the central black hole, in particular `trapped inertial waves' (r-modes), offer an attractive explanation for HFQPOs. To produce an observable signature, however, such oscillations must be excited to sufficiently large amplitudes. Turbulence driven by the magnetorotational instability (MRI) fails to provide the necessary amplification, but r-modes may still be excited via interaction with accretion disc warps or eccentricities. We present 3D global hydrodynamic simulations of relativistic accretion discs, which demonstrate for the first time the excitation of trapped inertial waves by an imposed eccentricity in the flow. While the r-modes' saturated state depends on the vertical boundary conditions used in our unstratified, cylindrical framework, their excitation is unambiguous in all runs with eccentricity >0.005 near the ISCO. These simulations provide a proof of concept, demonstrating the robustness of trapped inertial wave excitation in a non-magnetized context. In a companion paper, we explore the competition between this excitation, and damping by magnetohydrodynamic turbulence.

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arXiv2020

HFQPOs and discoseismic mode excitation in eccentric, relativistic discs. II. Magnetohydrodynamic simulations

Trapped inertial oscillations (r-modes) provide a promising explanation for high-frequency quasi-periodic oscillations (HFQPOs) observed in the emission from black hole X-ray binary systems. An eccentricity (or warp) can excite r-modes to large amplitudes, but concurrently the oscillations are likely damped by magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence driven by the magnetorotational instability (MRI). We force eccentricity in global, unstratified, zero-net flux MHD simulations of relativistic accretion discs, and find that a sufficiently strong disc distortion generates trapped inertial waves despite this damping. In our simulations, eccentricities above ~ 0.03 in the inner disc excite trapped waves. In addition to the competition between r-mode damping and driving, we observe that larger amplitude eccentric structures modify and in some cases suppress MRI turbulence. Given the variety of distortions (warps as well as eccentricities) capable of amplifying r-modes, the robustness of trapped inertial wave excitation in the face of MRI turbulence in our simulations provides support for a discoseismic explanation for HFQPOs.

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arXiv2018

Quasi-periodic oscillations, trapped inertial waves and strong toroidal magnetic fields in relativistic accretion discs

The excitation of trapped inertial waves (r-modes) by warps and eccentricities in the inner regions of a black hole accretion disc may explain the high-frequency quasi-periodic oscillations (HFQPOs) observed in the emission of Galactic X-ray binaries. However, it has been suggested that strong vertical magnetic fields push the oscillations' trapping region toward the innermost stable circular orbit (ISCO), where conditions could be unfavourable for their excitation. This paper explores the effects of large-scale magnetic fields that exhibit \textit{both} toroidal and vertical components, through local and global linear analyses. We find that a strong toroidal magnetic field can reduce the detrimental effects of a vertical field: in fact, the isolation of the trapping region from the ISCO may be restored by toroidal magnetic fields approaching thermal strengths. The toroidal field couples the r-modes to the disc's magneto-acoustic response and inflates the effective pressure within the oscillations. As a consequence, the restoring force associated with the vertical magnetic field's tension is reduced. Given the analytical and numerical evidence that accretion discs threaded by poloidal magnetic field lines develop a strong toroidal component, our result provides further evidence that the detrimental effects of magnetic fields on trapped inertial modes are not as great as previously thought.

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arXiv2018

Hydrodynamic convection in accretion discs

The prevalence and consequences of convection perpendicular to the plane of accretion discs have been discussed for several decades. Recent simulations combining convection and the magnetorotational instability have given fresh impetus to the debate, as the interplay of the two processes can enhance angular momentum transport, at least in the optically thick outburst stage of dwarf novae. In this paper we seek to isolate and understand the most generic features of disc convection, and so undertake its study in purely hydrodynamical models. First, we investigate the linear phase of the instability, obtaining estimates of the growth rates both semi-analytically, using one-dimensional spectral computations, as well as analytically, using WKBJ methods. Next we perform three-dimensional, vertically stratified, shearing box simulations with the conservative, finite-volume code PLUTO, both with and without explicit diffusion coefficients. We find that hydrodynamic convection can, in general, drive outward angular momentum transport, a result that we confirm with ATHENA, an alternative finite-volume code. Moreover, we establish that the sign of the angular momentum flux is sensitive to the diffusivity of the numerical scheme. Finally, in sustained convection, whereby the system is continuously forced to an unstable state, we observe the formation of various coherent structures, including large- scale and oscillatory convective cells, zonal flows, and small vortices.

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arXiv2018

Dissipative structures in magnetorotational turbulence

Via the process of accretion, magnetorotational turbulence removes energy from a disk's orbital motion and transforms it into heat. Turbulent heating is far from uniform and is usually concentrated in small regions of intense dissipation, characterised by abrupt magnetic reconnection and higher temperatures. These regions are of interest because they might generate non-thermal emission, in the form of flares and energetic particles, or thermally process solids in protoplanetary disks. Moreover, the nature of the dissipation bears on the fundamental dynamics of the magnetorotational instability (MRI) itself: local simulations indicate that the large-scale properties of the turbulence (e.g. saturation levels, the stress-pressure relationship) depend on the short dissipative scales. In this paper we undertake a numerical study of how the MRI dissipates and the small-scale dissipative structures it employs to do so. We use the Godunov code RAMSES and unstratified compressible shearing boxes. Our simulations reveal that dissipation is concentrated in ribbons of strong magnetic reconnection that are significantly elongated in azimuth, up to a scale height. Dissipative structures are hence meso-scale objects, and potentially provide a route by which large scales and small scales interact. We go on to show how these ribbons evolve over time --- forming, merging, breaking apart, and disappearing. Finally, we reveal important couplings between the large-scale density waves generated by the MRI and the small-scale structures, which may illuminate the stress-pressure relationship in MRI turbulence.

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