Switch shocks in molecular clouds. II - Implications

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (23) References (17) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS Switch Shocks in Molecular Clouds. II. Implications Smith, Michael D. Abstract Some of the observable properties of switch shocks in molecular clouds with oblique magnetic fields are derived. These shocks, in which the initial motion is parallel to the field lines, are explored and compared to the transverse case. The process of switching on the tangential component, to enable field-cushioning, leads to higher temperatures over a narrower shocked layer. Nevertheless, ambipolar diffusion and acceleration of molecular material via shocks remains effective even along field lines. Implications for molecular emission lines are explored. Ramifications for star formation and circumstellar disks are discussed. Torsional switches and poloidal switches extract angular momentum and magnetic flux from molecular cloud cores at super-Alfvenic speeds. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: April 1993 DOI: 10.1086/172464 Bibcode: 1993ApJ...406..520S Keywords: Interstellar Magnetic Fields; Magnetohydrodynamics; Molecular Clouds; Shock Waves; Ambipolar Diffusion; Angular Momentum; Magnetic Flux; Molecular Excitation; Propagation Velocity; Star Formation; Transverse Waves; Astrophysics; ISM: CLOUDS; ISM: MOLECULES; MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS: MHD; SHOCK WAVES full text sources ADS | Related Materials (1) Part 1: 1992ApJ...390..447S