A What Are the Stationarity and Limitations of the Standard Accretion Disk Model?

AI Thread Summary
The standard accretion disk model assumes stationarity to simplify calculations, but this is not entirely accurate as real disks can exhibit variability. Limitations of the model include the assumption of a thin disk, which fails in regions where gravitational forces and temperature gradients are significant. The thin disk approximation is invalid throughout the entire disk due to variations in density and temperature, leading to non-uniform behavior. Additionally, real accretion disks do not radiate perfectly, complicating the model further. Overall, while the standard model provides a useful framework, it has inherent limitations that must be acknowledged.
AstroLove
hi I'm an astronomy student and i was studying the standard accretion disk model and I've got some questions related to it.!

why do we consider the accretion disk to be stationary in standard accretion disk model?
and what are the limitations of standard disk model?

and i just read somewhere that '' The thin disk approximation is not valid in the whole disk'' can anyone tell me why is it so?
 
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AstroLove said:
and i just read somewhere that '' The thin disk approximation is not valid in the whole disk'' can anyone tell me why is it so?

Most approximations are not completely valid. If Earth was a sphere there would be no mountains, no waves on the sea.

Also some things do not radiate perfectly.
 

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