Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2007-08-28
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
13 pages, 1 figure, accepted by MNRAS
Scientific paper
10.1111/j.1365-2966.2007.12350.x
The radio luminosity function (RLF) of radio galaxies and radio-loud quasars is often modelled as a broken power-law. The break luminosity is close to the dividing line between the two Fanaroff-Riley (FR) morphological classes for the large-scale radio structure of these objects. We use an analytical model for the luminosity and size evolution of FRII-type objects together with a simple prescription for FRI-type sources to construct the RLF. We postulate that all sources start out with an FRII-type morphology. Weaker jets subsequently disrupt within the quasi-constant density cores of their host galaxies and develop turbulent lobes of type FRI. With this model we recover the slopes of the power laws and the break luminosity of the RLF determined from observations. The rate at which AGN with jets of jet power $Q$ appear in the universe is found to be proportional to $Q^{-1.6}$. The model also roughly predicts the distribution of the radio lobe sizes for FRII-type objects, if the radio luminosity of the turbulent jets drops significantly at the point of disruption. We show that our model is consistent with recent ideas of two distinct accretion modes in jet-producing AGN, if radiative efficiency of the accretion process is correlated with jet power.
Best Philip N.
Kaiser Christian R.
No associations
LandOfFree
Luminosity function, sizes and FR dichotomy of radio-loud AGN does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Luminosity function, sizes and FR dichotomy of radio-loud AGN, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Luminosity function, sizes and FR dichotomy of radio-loud AGN will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-362931