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The acceleration and collimation of jets.

M C Begelman1

  • 1Joint Institute for Laboratory Astrophysics, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309-0440, USA.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
|December 5, 1995
PubMed
Summary

Hydromagnetic stresses aid active galactic nuclei jet acceleration and collimation. However, chaotic magnetic fields may be more realistic than organized ones, impacting self-collimation and offering new diagnostic potential.

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Area of Science:

  • Astrophysics
  • Plasma Physics

Background:

  • Active galactic nuclei (AGN) jets are powerful outflows requiring efficient acceleration and collimation mechanisms.
  • Current models often assume highly organized magnetic fields, which may not reflect reality.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the role of hydromagnetic stresses in AGN jet acceleration and collimation.
  • To investigate the implications of both organized and chaotic magnetic fields on jet properties.
  • To identify new observational diagnostics for understanding jet physics.

Main Methods:

  • Theoretical discussion of hydromagnetic stresses.
  • Analysis of magnetic field configurations (organized vs. chaotic).
  • Consideration of external pressure effects on collimation.
  • Examination of observational diagnostics, including shock structures.

Main Results:

  • Hydromagnetic stresses are crucial for accelerating relativistic flows and initial collimation.
  • External pressure is necessary for significant self-collimation.
  • Chaotic magnetic fields can accelerate jets efficiently but hinder self-collimation.
  • Existing models with highly organized fields may be unrealistic.

Conclusions:

  • Both organized and chaotic magnetic fields can accelerate AGN jets.
  • The degree of jet collimation depends on magnetic field organization and external pressure.
  • Observational diagnostics, particularly propagating disturbances like shocks, offer untapped potential for studying jet properties.

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