The growth of thermal instabilities in cooling flows

Details The growth of thermal instabilities in cooling flows The growth of thermal instabilities in cooling flows

Jun 1988

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1988apj...329...66d&link_type=abstract

Astrophysical Journal, Part 1 (ISSN 0004-637X), vol. 329, June 1, 1988, p. 66-81. Research supported by the University of Virgin

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

35

Computerized Simulation, Hydrodynamic Equations, Intergalactic Media, Shock Wave Profiles, Thermal Instability, Elliptical Galaxies, Perturbation Theory, Space Density

Scientific paper

Numerical hydrodynamic simulations are used to determine the evolution of the condensation modes for thermal instabilities in 10 to the 6th to 10 to the 8th K gas. These simulations properly take into account the effects of nonequilibrium cooling below 10 to the 6th K. It is found that only perturbations greater than about 3 kpc develop shocks in the hot environment of cooling flows. These large perturbations evolve through three distinct phases: (1) the formation of a cold core, (2) a supersonic accretion phase onto the cold core which lasts for 10 to the 5th to 10 to the 6th yr with peak shock velocities about 120 km/s, and (3) a subsonic accretion phase. The X-ray emissivity and the optical-ultraviolet line emission associated with thermal instabilities are calculated. These calculations demonstrate that the optical emission from cooling flows probably does not arise from shocked condensations. The calculated optical emission lines are of a higher ionization level and a lower luminosity than the observations. Ultraviolet lines produced in the shocks may be detectable. The core must cool significantly after the shock has dissipated before star formation can commence.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

The growth of thermal instabilities in cooling flows 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 The growth of thermal instabilities in cooling flows, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The growth of thermal instabilities in cooling flows will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1177556