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Magnetohydrodynamic wave propagation in one-dimensional nonhomogeneous, self-gravitating cloudsWe study the propagation of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) waves through nonhomogeneous, selfgravitating, magnetic media representative of molecular cloud environments and focus on the issues of cloud support and line profiles. Since the general treatment of this topic is burdened by a complex mathematical formalism, we consider simplifying geometries which yield analytical solutions in the linear wave limit. In particular, we study both magnetoacoustic and Alfven wave propagation along the density gradient in a one-imensional slab. Of specific relevance to molecular clouds, we find that the back reaction of the Alfven waves can provide a pressure along the direction of the magnetic field lines; this pressure can help support a density enhancement against gravitational collapse. Furthermore, we find that the velocity amplitudes of these waves increase as the density decreases, in rough agreement with observational estimates of line width versus density relations.
Document ID
19930062315
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Fatuzzo, Marco
(NASA Headquarters Washington, DC United States)
Adams, Fred C.
(Michigan Univ. Ann Arbor, United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
July 20, 1993
Publication Information
Publication: Astrophysical Journal, Part 1
Volume: 412
Issue: 1
ISSN: 0004-637X
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Accession Number
93A46312
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-2802
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-3121
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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