Magnetic Rayleigh-Taylor instability for Pulsar Wind Nebulae in expanding Supernova Remnants

Details Magnetic Rayleigh-Taylor instability for Pulsar Wind Nebulae in expanding Supernova Remnants Magnetic Rayleigh-Taylor instability for Pulsar Wind Nebulae in expanding Supernova Remnants

2004-05-14

arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0405276v1

Astron.Astrophys. 423 (2004) 253-265

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

14 pages, 6 figures, accepted for publication in A&A

Scientific paper

10.1051/0004-6361:20040360

We present a numerical investigation of the development of Rayleigh-Taylor instability at the interface between an expanding Pulsar Wind Nebula and its surrounding Supernova Remnant. These systems have long been thought to be naturally subject to this kind of instability, given their expansion behavior and the density jump at the contact discontinuity. High resolution images of the Crab Nebula at optical frequencies show the presence of a complex network of line-emitting filaments protruding inside the synchrotron nebula. These structures are interpreted as the observational evidence that Rayleigh-Taylor instability is in fact at work. The development of this instability in the regime appropriate to describe Supernova Remnant-Pulsar Wind Nebula systems is non-trivial. The conditions at the interface are likely close to the stability threshold, and the inclusion of the nebular magnetic field, which might play an important role in stabilizing the system, is essential to the modeling. If Rayleigh-Taylor features can grow efficiently a mixing layer in the outer portion of the nebula might form where most of the supernova material is confined. When a magnetic field close to equipartition is included we find that the interface is stable, and that even a weaker magnetic field affects substantially the growth and shape of the fingers.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Magnetic Rayleigh-Taylor instability for Pulsar Wind Nebulae in expanding Supernova Remnants 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 Magnetic Rayleigh-Taylor instability for Pulsar Wind Nebulae in expanding Supernova Remnants, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Magnetic Rayleigh-Taylor instability for Pulsar Wind Nebulae in expanding Supernova Remnants will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-671054