Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2002-01-24
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Submitted to the Astrophysical Journal Letters
Scientific paper
We consider the stability of an accretion disk wind to cloud formation when subject to a central radiation force. For a vertical launch velocity profile that is Keplerian or flatter and the presence of a significant radiation pressure, the wind flow streamlines cross in a conical layer. We argue that such regions are highly unstable, and are natural sites for supersonic turbulence and, consequently, density compressions. We suggest that combined with thermal instability these will all conspire to produce clouds. Such clouds can exist in dynamical equilibrium, constantly dissipating and reforming. As long as there is an inner truncation radius to the wind, our model emerges with a biconical structure similar to that inferred by Elvis (2000) for the broad line region (BLR) of active galactic nuclei (AGN). Our results may also apply to other disk-wind systems.
Blackman Eric G.
Frank Alejandro
Poludnenko Alexei Y.
No associations
LandOfFree
Formation of Turbulent Cones in Accretion Disk Outflows and Application to Broad Line Regions of Active Galactic Nuclei 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 Formation of Turbulent Cones in Accretion Disk Outflows and Application to Broad Line Regions of Active Galactic Nuclei, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Formation of Turbulent Cones in Accretion Disk Outflows and Application to Broad Line Regions of Active Galactic Nuclei will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-341353