MAGNETICALLY DRIVEN JETS AND WINDS - EXACT-SOLUTIONS

We present a general class of self-similar solutions of the full set o f MHD equations that include matter flow, electromagnetic fields, pres sure, and gravity. The solutions represent axisymmetric, time-independ ent, nonrelativistic, ideal, magnetohydrodynamic, collimated outflows (jets and winds) from magnetized accretion disks around compact object s. The magnetic field extracts angular momentum from the disk, acceler ates the outflows perpendicular to the disk, and provides collimation at large distances. The terminal outflow velocities are of the order o f or greater than the rotational velocity of the disk at the base of t he flow. When a nonzero electric current flows along the jet, the outf low radius oscillates with axial distance, whereas when the total elec tric current is zero (with the return current flowing across the jet's cross section), the outflow radius increases to a maximum and then de creases. The method can also be applied to relativistic outflows.