On wave stability in relativistic cosmic-ray hydrodynamics

Journal Article · Thu Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1989 · Astrophysical Journal; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/167534· OSTI ID:5583086

Webb, G M ^[1]

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1. Arizona Univ., Tucson (USA)

Wave stability of a two-fluid hydrodynamical model describing the acceleration of cosmic rays by the first-order Fermi mechanism in relativistic, cosmic-ray-modified shocks is investigated. For a uniform background state, the short- and long-wavelength wave speeds are shown to interlace, thus assuring wave stability in this case. A JWKB analysis is performed to investigate the stability of short-wavelength thermal gas sound waves in the smooth, decelerating supersonic flow upstream of a relativistic, cosmic-ray-modified shock. The stability of the waves is assessed both in terms of the fluid velocity and density perturbations, as well as in terms of the wave action. The stability and interaction of the short-wavelength cosmic-ray coherent mode with the background flow is also studied. 47 refs.

• OSTI ID: 5583086
• Journal Information: Astrophysical Journal; (USA), Journal Name: Astrophysical Journal; (USA) Vol. 341; ISSN ASJOA; ISSN 0004-637X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640101* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Cosmic Radiation
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ACCELERATION
COSMIC RADIATION
ENERGY RANGE
FLUID MECHANICS
HYDRODYNAMICS
IONIZING RADIATIONS
MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS
MECHANICS
RADIATIONS
RELATIVISTIC RANGE
SHOCK WAVES
STABILITY
TRANSPORT THEORY
WAVE PROPAGATION