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| Paper: |
Relativistic Two-component Jet Evolutions in 2D and 3D |
| Volume: |
429, Numerical Modeling of Space Plasma Flows, Astronum-2009 |
| Page: |
121 |
| Authors: |
Meliani, Z.; Keppens, R. |
| Abstract: |
Observations of astrophysical jets and theoretical arguments suggest a transverse stratification with two
components induced by intrinsic features of the central engine (accretion disk + black hole). We study
two-component jet dynamics for an inner fast low density jet, surrounded by a slower, denser, extended jet.
We investigate for the first time this two-component jet evolution with very high resolution in 2.5D and 3D.
We demonstrate that two-component jets with high kinetic energy flux contribution from the inner jet are
subject to the development of a relativistically enhanced, rotation-induced Rayleigh–Taylor type instability.
This instability induces strong mixing between both components, decelerating the inner jet and leading to
overall jet decollimation.
The 3D simulation confirms the dominance of the non-axisymmetric character of this novel explanation for sudden jet deceleration. We note that it can explain the radio source dichotomy as a direct consequence of
the efficiency of the central engine in launching the inner jet component. We argue that the FRII/FRI transition, interpreted in our two-component jet scenario,
occurs when the relative kinetic energy flux of the inner to the outer jet exceeds a critical ratio. |
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