Radiation pressure-driven Rayleigh-Taylor instability: Analysis and application to QSO emission line clouds

Journal Article · Thu Feb 15 04:00:00 EST 1979 · Astrophys. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/156818· OSTI ID:6093697

Krolik, J H

We analyze the growth of perturbations in a photoionized gas slab accelerated by radiation pressure under conditions like those in QSO emission-line regions. After deriving a linear dispersion relation, we perform numerical radiation transfer calculations to evaluate the coefficients and roots of that dispersion relation for L..cap alpha.. optical depths between 0.1 and 10/sup 4/. We then make estimates of the nonlinear growth of the waves, concluding that complete dispersal of the clouds is likely. Although we are unable to make detailed calculations, on the basis of qualitative arguments we suggest that clouds of greater optical depth are linearly stable.

• Research Organization: Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton
• OSTI ID: 6093697
• Journal Information: Astrophys. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J.; (United States) Vol. 228:1; ISSN ASJOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640105* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Galaxies
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
COSMIC GASES
COSMIC RADIO SOURCES
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
DISTURBANCES
EMISSION SPECTRA
EQUATIONS
EQUATIONS OF MOTION
FLUIDS
GASES
INSTABILITY
QUASARS
RADIATION PRESSURE
RADIATION TRANSPORT
RAYLEIGH-TAYLOR INSTABILITY
SPECTRA
WAVE EQUATIONS