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The evolution of cocoons surrounding light, extragalactic jetsIf the mass density of supersonic, collimated material is less than that of the surrounding medium, a so-called light jet will be enveloped by a cocoon of overpressured shocked gas. Hydrodynamical simulations are used to understand the evolution of the cocoon. The cocoon's evolution is also compared to a simple analytic theory. To reconcile the theory with the simulations, the growth of the jet head must be taken into account. The overpressured cocoon stage exists for a relatively short astronomical time, after which only the region of the cocoon near the jet head remains overpressured. The spatial distribution of the optical emission often observed in distant extragalactic jet systems can be explained with this improved understanding of cocoon evolution.
Document ID
19920061085
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Cioffi, Denis F.
(NSF, Div. of Astronomical Sciences; NASA, Astrophysics Div., Washington DC, United States)
Blondin, John M.
(Virginia, University Charlottesville, United States)
Date Acquired
August 15, 2013
Publication Date
June 20, 1992
Publication Information
Publication: Astrophysical Journal, Part 1
Volume: 392
Issue: 2 Ju
ISSN: 0004-637X
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Accession Number
92A43709
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF AST-90-16687
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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