Abstract
Icy grains in the interstellar medium and star formation regions consist of a variety of materials. Such composite grains interact differently with cosmic-ray (CR) particles compared to simple single-material grains. We aim to calculate the spectra of energies and temperatures of mixed-composition grains undergoing whole-grain heating by CRs. The grains were assumed to consist of a mixture of carbon and olivine, covered by ices consisting of carbon oxides and water. The energy and temperature spectra for grains with radii 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 μm impacted by CRs were calculated for eight values of column density, relevant to molecular clouds and star-forming cores. The approach takes into account changes in ice thickness and composition with increasing column density. These detailed data for CR interaction with interstellar grains are intended for applications in astrochemical models. The main finding is that a more accurate approach on grain heat capacity and other factors prevent frequent heating of 0.1 μm or larger icy grains to high temperatures.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
