Theoretical models of interstellar shocks. I. Radiative transfer and UV precursors

Journal Article · Mon Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1979 · Astrophys. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/156712· OSTI ID:6271156

Shull, J M; McKee, C F

We construct theoretical models of interstellar radiative shocks, with special attention to the transfer of ionizing radiation. These models are ''self-consistent'' in the sense that the emergent ionizing radiation (the UV precursor) is coupled with the ionization state of H, He, and the metals in the preshock gas. For shock velocities upsilon/sub s/> or =110 km s/sup -1/ the shocks generate sufficient UV radiation for complete preionization of H and He (to He/sup +/). At lower velocities the preionization can be much smaller, with important consequences for the cooling function, the shock structure, and the emission. For models with 40 km s/sup -1/< or =upsilon/sub s/< or =130 km s/sup -1/ we tabulate the intensities of the strongest emission lines in the UV, optical, and infrared, as well as postshock column densities of metal ions potentially observable by UV absorption spectroscopy. Possible applications to supernova remnants and high-velocity interstellar gas are assessed.

• Research Organization: Department of Astronomy, University of California, Berkeley
• OSTI ID: 6271156
• Journal Information: Astrophys. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J.; (United States) Vol. 227:1; ISSN ASJOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640105* -- Astrophysics &amp; Cosmology-- Galaxies
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
COOLING
COSMIC RADIO SOURCES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
EMISSION SPECTRA
FLUID MECHANICS
HYDRODYNAMICS
INTERSTELLAR SPACE
IONIZATION
MECHANICS
NEBULAE
PLASMA
RADIATION TRANSPORT
RADIATIONS
RADIATIVE COOLING
RECOMBINATION
SHOCK WAVES
SPACE
SPECTRA
SUPERNOVA REMNANTS
ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION