= Keplerian disk
{c}
= Keplerian disc
{c}
{synonym}
= Keplerian rotation
{c}
{synonym}
A \b[<Keplerian disk>] is an <astrophysical disk> whose orbital motion is governed mainly by a central <point mass>. Balancing radial <gravitational acceleration> with circular motion gives $r\Omega_K^2=GM/r^2$, hence $\Omega_K=\sqrt{GM/r^3}$ and orbital speed $v_K=\sqrt{GM/r}$. Inner rings rotate faster than outer rings: this <differential rotation> supplies the shear on which many disk <stresses> act. The approximation requires small corrections from <pressure> gradients, disk <self-gravity> and relativistic <gravity>.
Back to article page
