Basic Physics of Accretion Disks

Accretion disks are the focus of a great deal of current research, and selected papers by a number of internationally acclaimed authors are included in this volume. Recent observations have revealed a variety of accretion phenomena that cannot be accounted for by the standard picture of accretion disks. Advection dominated disks are replacing the standard model, and the first extensive examination of their various aspects is included here. Papers also address some more fundamental issues concerning basic physics of accretion disks. In all, this text is an up-to-date overview of the best of the current research in accretion disks.