In situ acceleration in extragalactic radio jets

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (70) References (42) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS In situ acceleration in extragalactic radio jets Bicknell, G. V. ; Melrose, D. B. Abstract An examination is presented of the extragalactic jet energy dissipated by large scale turbulence which is driven by a shear stability that does not disrupt the jet, hypothesizing that fluid theory should be used to treat the evolution of the turbulence. This permits the rate of dissipation to be estimated without a detailed knowledge of the process. It is found that Fermi acceleration causes dissipation at scale lengths of about 0.001 R, and that resonant acceleration plays no role. Consideration of the effect of Fermi acceleration, adiabatic losses and radiative losses on an initial power-law distribution with an upper cutoff shows radio emission extending up to at least 100 GHz to be possible, with no spectral index gradients being introduced by the acceleration. Using the present model in a study of its acceleration, the northern jet in NGC 315 is estimated to have a velocity greater than 5000 km/sec. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: November 1982 DOI: 10.1086/160444 Bibcode: 1982ApJ...262..511B Keywords: Energy Dissipation; Particle Acceleration; Radio Jets (Astronomy); Turbulence Effects; Adiabatic Conditions; Collisionless Plasmas; Flow Velocity; Rates (Per Time); Shear Properties; Shock Wave Propagation; Astrophysics full text sources ADS |