Spirals, Rings and Gaps in Protoplanetary Disks : Theory Catching Up with Observations

Séminaire IPAG de Roman Rafikov (DAMTP Cambridge), jeudi 13 juin 2019 à 11h00, salle Manuel Forestini

Direct imaging of a number of protoplanetary disks, as well as recent sub-mm observations with ALMA have revealed a plethora of structures in the disks, ranging from grand design spirals to multiple axisymmetric gaps and rings.

In this observationally-motivated talk I will provide a theoretical overview of the different ideas for the origin of these structures.

I will first focus on the spirals, their characteristics and ideas for their origin.

I will also talk about their linear and nonlinear evolution as they propagate through the protoplanetary disks, and the role they should play in the evolution of the disk itself (somewhat motivated by the recent measurements of the viscosity in such disks).

I will then talk about the possible role played by the planet-induced spiral arms in producing multiple axisymmetric gaps and rings seen by ALMA.

I will conclude with a cautionary tale about the choice of tools needed for the accurate interpretation of our observations of the structures seen in protoplanetary disks.