Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics – High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena
Scientific paper
2011-05-30
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena
9 pages
Scientific paper
We study the expansion of low density cavities produced by Active Galactic Nuclei jets in clusters of galaxies. The long term stability of these cavities requires the presence of linked magnetic fields. We find solutions describing the self-similar expansion of structures containing large-scale electromagnetic fields. Unlike the force-free spheromak-like configurations, these solutions have no surface currents and, thus, are less susceptible to resistive decay. The cavities are internally confined by external pressure, with zero gradient at the surface. If the adiabatic index of the plasma within the cavity is $\Gamma>4/3$, the expansion ultimately leads to the formation of large-scale current sheets. The resulting dissipation of the magnetic field can only partially offset the adiabatic and radiative losses of radio emitting electrons. We demonstrate that if the formation of large-scale current sheets is accompanied by explosive reconnection of the magnetic field, the resulting reconnection layer can accelerate cosmic rays to ultra high energies. We speculate that the enhanced flux of UHECRs towards Centaurus A originates at the cavities due to magnetic reconnection.
Gourgouliatos Konstantinos Nektarios
Lyutikov Maxim
No associations
LandOfFree
Dynamics of rising magnetized cavities and UHECR acceleration in clusters of galaxies 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 Dynamics of rising magnetized cavities and UHECR acceleration in clusters of galaxies, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Dynamics of rising magnetized cavities and UHECR acceleration in clusters of galaxies will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-336996