Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2024 iii Paper 321 1 a Solution 2026-09-25
Define the surface density of a disk, outward mass flux, internal torque, and surface magnetic torque byThe sign convention makes positive for outward angular momentum transport in an ordinary Keplerian accretion disk. Vertical integration of mass conservation gives
The specific angular momentum is . Multiply the azimuthal equation by , use the continuity equation to put its left-hand side in conservative form, and integrate over . The assumed decay removes the vertical mass and viscous fluxes, whereas the magnetic surface stress remains:Subtracting times the integrated mass equation yieldsSince , substitution in mass conservation gives the required one-dimensional advection-diffusion equation
Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2024 iii Paper 321 1 c i Solution 2026-09-25
Write . A steady inward accretion rate has , so the integrated angular-momentum equation isFor , and thereforeafter imposing the zero-torque inner boundary condition at . In a Keplerian accretion disk, and , so
Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2025 iii Paper 321 1 b ii Solution Created 2026-09-24 Updated 2026-09-25