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Magnetic energy dissipation in force-free jetsIt is shown that a magnetic pressure-dominated, supersonic jet which expands or contracts in response to variations in the confining external pressure can dissipate magnetic energy through field-line reconnection as it relaxes to a minimum-energy configuration. In order for a continuous dissipation to occur, the effective reconnection time must be a fraction of the expansion time. The dissipation rate for the axisymmetric minimum-energy field configuration is analytically derived. The results indicate that the field relaxation process could be a viable mechanism for powering the synchrotron emission in extragalactic jets if the reconnection time is substantially shorter than the nominal resistive tearing time in the jet.
Document ID
19870035010
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Choudhuri, Arnab Rai
(High Altitude Observatory Boulder, CO, United States)
Konigl, Arieh
(Chicago, University IL, United States)
Date Acquired
August 13, 2013
Publication Date
November 1, 1986
Publication Information
Publication: Astrophysical Journal, Part 1
Volume: 310
ISSN: 0004-637X
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Accession Number
87A22284
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF AST-84-51727
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF AST-85-03093
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGL-14-001-001
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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