SYNCHROTRON EMISSION FROM BENT SHOCKED RELATIVISTIC JETS .1. BENT RELATIVISTIC JETS

DOI:
Publication date:
01/07/1993
Main author:
GOMEZ, JL
IAA authors:
GOMEZ, JL
Authors:
GOMEZ, JL; ALBERDI, A; MARCAIDE, JM
Journal:
ASTRONOMY & ASTROPHYSICS
Publication type:
Article
Volume:
274
Pages:
55-68
Number:
Abstract:
We summarize the theory of transfer of synchrotron radiation, and the theory of plane perpendicular shock waves in a flow with relativistic bulk velocity and relativistic equation of state. We then describe the construction of a computer code that is based on these theories and on the differential Doppler boosting effect, for studying the emission properties from parsec-scale bent shocked extragalactic jets. This code solves the transfer equation along lines of integration parallel to the line of sight, thus taking into account the inhomogeneities in the physical parameters along the integration columns for jets with small viewing angles. Numerical simulations with this code with different bend patterns show that the existence of stationary components in both total and polarized flux density VLBI maps can be understood in terms of bends in the jet structure. For example a bend towards the observer can decrease the polarized flux density, resulting in two ''apparent'' components in the polarized flux density map, at both sides of the bent region along the jet axis.
Database:
WOK
Keywords:
GALAXIES, JETS OF; RADIATION MECHANISMS; SHOCK WAVES; POLARIZATION; METHODS, NUMERICAL