A new class of solutions for interstellar magnetohydrodynamic shock waves

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (48) References (25) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS A New Class of Solutions for Interstellar Magnetohydrodynamic Shock Waves Roberge, W. G. ; Draine, B. T. Abstract An analysis is presented of the equations of motion for steady MHD shock waves proopagating in interstellar clouds, for boundary conditions that preclude C shocks. In addition to J shocks, in which the neutral fluid component becomes subsonic at an adiabatic jump front, the equations admit a new class of solutions, called C-asterisk shocks, in which the transition to subsonic flow occurs continuously at a sonic point. Numerical methods are developed for computing the structure of J and C-asterisk shocks propagating in diffuse interstellar clouds. The effects of chemical, ionization, and recombination processes are included in this treatment. An alternative numerical method, which uses artificial viscosity to facilitate integration through sonic points, is analyzed and shown to be invalid. A set of exemplary solutions, computed for realistic shock parameters, shows that C-asterisk shocks occur for a broad range of conditions relevant to diffuse interstellar clouds. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: February 1990 DOI: 10.1086/168421 Bibcode: 1990ApJ...350..700R Keywords: Computational Astrophysics; Equations Of Motion; Interstellar Gas; Magnetohydrodynamic Waves; Shock Wave Propagation; Interstellar Chemistry; Magnetoacoustics; Molecular Clouds; Astrophysics; HYDROMAGNETICS; INTERSTELLAR: MATTER; SHOCK WAVES full text sources ADS |