Assessing Quantitative Results in Accretion Simulations: From Local to Global

TL;DR

This paper evaluates the numerical resolution needed for accurate global accretion disk simulations, extending criteria from local to global models and highlighting under-resolution issues affecting turbulence predictions.

Contribution

It introduces new diagnostics for assessing numerical convergence in global MHD simulations and extends existing local criteria to global contexts, emphasizing the importance of azimuthal resolution.

Findings

Standard resolution criteria are more stringent for nonlinear turbulence.

Azimuthal resolution significantly impacts magnetic field evolution.

Most existing global simulations are under-resolved, underestimating turbulence.

Abstract

Discretized numerical simulations are a powerful tool for investigation of nonlinear MHD turbulence in accretion disks. However, confidence in their quantitative predictions requires a demonstration that further refinement of the spatial gridscale would not result in any significant change. This has yet to be accomplished, particularly for global disk simulations. In this paper, we combine data from previously published stratified shearing box simulations and new global disk simulations to calibrate several quantitative diagnostics by which one can estimate progress toward numerical convergence. Using these diagnostics, we find that the established criterion for an adequate numerical description of linear growth of the magneto-rotational instability (the number of cells across a wavelength of the fastest-growing vertical wavenumber mode) can be extended to a criterion for adequate description of nonlinear MHD disk turbulence, but the standard required is more stringent. We also find that azimuthal resolution, which has not often been extensively examined in previous studies, can significantly affect the evolution of the poloidal magnetic field. We further analyze the comparative resolution requirements of a small sample of initial magnetic field geometries; not surprisingly, more complicated initial field geometries require higher spatial resolution. Otherwise, they tend to evolve to qualitatively similar states if evolved for sufficient time. Applying our quantitative resolution criteria to a sample of previously published global simulations, we find that, with perhaps a single exception, they are significantly under-resolved, and therefore underestimate the magnetic turbulence and resulting stress levels throughout the accretion flow.