On linear dust-gas streaming instabilities in protoplanetary discs

Abstract

We revisit, via a very simplified set of equations, a linear streaming instability (technically an overstability), which is present in, and potentially important for, dusty protoplanetary discs. The goal is a better understanding of the physical origin of such instabilities, which are notoriously subtle. Rotational dynamics seem to be essential to this type of instability, which cannot be captured by one-dimensional Cartesian models. Dust 'pile-ups' in moving pressure maxima are an important triggering mechanism of the instability, and drag feedback of dust upon the gas allows these maxima to be strengthened. Coriolis forces and the background drift counteract the effects of the pressure force. © 2011 The Authors Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society © 2011 RAS.