Accretion disk boundary layers: Their structure and stability

The importance of the boundary layer has been known for some time, (see Lynden-Bell and Pringle, 1974). Yet this region of the disc has never been studied in great depth. We present here some calculations which are undertaken in order to explore some of the complex processes which can go on in this region. It is shown how the structure of the boundary layer is affected by viscosity, how oscillations can occur in the outer disk and boundary layer regions. We also show how they disperse and dissipate.Paper presented at the IAU Colloquium No. 93 on Cataclysmic Variables. Recent Multi-Frequency Observations and Theoretical Developments, held at Dr. Remeis-Sternwarte Bamberg, F.R.G., 16–19 June, 1986.