Galactic spiral shocks - Vertical structure, thermal phase effects, and self-gravity

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (28) References (29) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS Galactic spiral shocks - Vertical structure, thermal phase effects, and self-gravity Tubbs, A. D. Abstract By use of two-dimensional, time-dependent, hydrodynamical calculations, the steady-state vertical gas structure of galactic shocks has been determined. A variety of energy densities of gas, magnetic field, and relativistic cosmic rays was assumed. The midplane shock structure is remarkably similar to that found in one-dimensional calculations, with no significant decrease in shock strength and no sudden vertical motion of the postshock gas. The shocks are straight and nearly perpendicular to the galactic plane for almost any realistic galactic parameters. Two-phase calculations, utilizing a time-dependent model of the heating and cooling of the interstellar medium, show no evidence for so-called accretion fronts. The clouds or high-density regions which form in these calculations are shown to form only in the midplane of the galaxy. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: August 1980 DOI: 10.1086/158174 Bibcode: 1980ApJ...239..882T Keywords: Density Wave Model; Gravitational Effects; Interstellar Gas; Shock Waves; Spiral Galaxies; Stellar Motions; Temperature Effects; Disk Galaxies; Galactic Structure; Gas Density; Gas Heating; Gas Temperature; Isothermal Processes; Vertical Distribution; Astrophysics full text sources ADS |