Title: Insights from Local Simulations of Accretion Disk Coronae: Two-temperature effects, thermal conduction, and radiation transport Abstract: I will present a series of local accretion disk models, i.e., stratified shearing-box magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations, for radiatively efficient accretion flows (REFs), which for the first time, include the effects of field-aligned free-streaming thermal conduction and radiation transport. … Continue reading "CRA Seminar: Chris Bambic Princeton UN"

Title: Challenging the standard accretion disk paradigm with warps, strong magnetic fields and super-Eddington accretion in quasar disks Abstract: "Classical" accretion disks are geometrically thin, radiatively efficient and mechanized by turbulent viscosity. Yet, many observational and theoretical issues challenge this paradigm, especially in quasars. This is perhaps unsurprising, as classical disks do not take into … Continue reading "CRA Seminar: Nick Kaaz – Northwestern UN"

Title: Gravitational Wave and Electromagnetic Signals Associated With the Tidal Disruption of White Dwarfs Abstract: I will discuss the gravitational-wave and electromagnetic signals expected to accompany the tidal disruption of a white dwarf by a massive (i.e., “intermediate mass” black hole). Since white dwarfs are very compact, they can only be disrupted outside of the … Continue reading "Special CRA Seminar Michael Eracleous – Penn State 11am-12 noon"

Title: Planets are not Points: Structure Evolution and Dynamical Evolution are Intertwined Abstract: The two subfields of planetary structure evolution and planetary dynamics are two rich and complex fields that have advanced in lockstep, but independently of one another. I will discuss how accounting for minor interior structure evolution of a planet can have a … Continue reading "CRA Seminar: Tiger Lu – Yale UN"