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At least 217 records · Page 12
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1994

Models of pair annihilation in 1E 1740.7-2942 and the HEAO 1 A-4 annihilation source

We study possible models of two Galactic sources of transient pair annihilation radiation, 1E 1740.7-2942 and a source observed by High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO) 1 A-4. We fit the observed spectral features by thermal annihilation spectra and find that the redshifts obtained by us are much larger than those obtained from fitting Caussian lines centered on 511 keV. This effect, which is due to the net blueshift (with respect to 511 keV) of the annihilation spectrum due to the thermal energies of pairs, puts strong constraints on models of sources. We consider those constraints first without considering the mechanism of positron production. From the shape of the observed spectra, we are able to rule out both spherical clouds and layers above cold matter as possible source geometries. The observed spectra are compatible with two source geometries: (1) a nearly face-on disk in the Kerr metric and (2) a jet close to a black hole. We consider, then, the origin of the pairs. Theories of both thermal and nonthermal pair equilibria predict that photon-pair production is unable to produce annihilation features that contain as much as half of the bolometric luminosity, which is observed. A possible solution to this problem is obscuration of a nonthermal source (in which pairs are produced by photon-photon collisions) and an outflow of pairs to an unobscured region. This makes annihilation in a jet the most likely model of the considered sources.

Maciolek-Niedzwiecki, Andrzej↗
DOE OSTI2026

Radiation GRMHD Models of Accretion onto Stellar-mass Black Holes. II. Super-Eddington Accretion

We present a comprehensive analysis of super-Eddington black hole accretion simulations that solve the GRMHD equations coupled with angle-discretized radiation transport. The simulations span a range of accretion rates, two black hole spins, and two magnetic field topologies, and include resolution studies as well as comparisons with nonradiative models. Super-Eddington accretion flows consistently develop geometrically thick disks supported by radiation pressure, regardless of magnetic field configuration. Radiation generated in the inner disk drives substantial outflows, forming conical funnel regions that limit photon escape and result in very low radiation efficiency. The accretion flows are highly turbulent, with thermal energy transport dominated by radiation advection rather than diffusion. Angular momentum is primarily carried outward by Maxwell stress, with turbulent Reynolds stress playing a subdominant role. Both strong and weak jets are produced. Strong jets arise from sufficient net vertical magnetic flux and rapid black hole spin, and they can effectively evacuate the funnel, enabling radiation to escape through strong geometric beaming. In contrast, weak jets fail to clear the funnel, which becomes obscured by radiation-driven outflows and leads to distinct observational signatures. Spiral structures are observed in the plunging region, behaving like density waves. These super-Eddington models are applicable to a variety of astronomical systems, including ultraluminous X-ray sources, little red dots, and black hole transients.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1998

Magnetohydrodynamic Origin of Jets from Accretion Disks

A review is made of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) theory and simulation of outflows from disks for different distributions of magnetic field threading the disk. In one limit of a relatively weak, initially diverging magnetic field, both thermal and magnetic pressure gradients act to drive matter to an outflow, while a toroidal magnetic field develops which strongly collimates the outflow. The collimation greatly reduces the field divergence and the mass outflow rate decreases after an initial peak. In a second limit of a strong magnetic field, the initial field configuration was taken with the field strength on the disk decreasing outwards to small values so that collimation was reduced. As a result, a family of stationary solutions was discovered where matter is driven mainly by the strong magnetic pressure gradient force. The collimation in this case depends on the pressure of an external medium. These flows are qualitatively similar to the analytic solutions for magnetically driven outflows. The problem of the opening of a closed field line configuration linking a magnetized star and an accretion disk is also discussed.

Lovelace, R. V. E.↗
NASA NTRS2006

GRMHD Simulations of Jet Formation with RAISHIN

We have developed a new three dimensional general relativistic magnetohydrodynamic (GRMHD) code, RAISHIN, using a conservative, high-resolution shock capturing scheme. Numerical fluxes are calculated using the Harten, Lax, & van Leer (HLL) approximate Riemann solver scheme. The flux-interpolated, constrained transport scheme is used to maintain a divergence-free magnetic field. We describe code performance on some test problems in both special and general relativity. Our new GRMHD code has proven to be accurate to second order and has successfully passed several numerical test problems including highly relativistic and magnetized tests in both special and general relativity. We have performed several simulations of non-rotating and rotating black hole systems with a geometrically thin accretion disk. The simulations show the formation of jets driven by the Lorentz force and the gas pressure. It appears that the rotating black hole creates an additional faster, and more collimated outflow inside a broader, slower outflow that is also generated by the rotating accretion disk around a non-rotating black hole. The kinematic jet structure could thus be a sensitive function of black hole rotation.

Mizuno, Y.↗
NASA NTRS1988

On wind-type flows in astrophysical jets. III - Temporal evolution of perturbations and the formation of shocks

The temporal evolution of disturbances in a spherically symmetric polytropic wind from a central object is studied. Such disturbances may be due to localized momentum addition/subtraction, as, for example, by MHD waves, heating/cooling mechanisms in the outflow, or localized deviations from spherical symmetric expansion. The evolution of an initial perturbed state to a continuous or discontinuous final equilibrium state, as predicted by previous analytic calculations for stationary flows, is followed. It is shown that some of the predicted discontinuous equilibrium states are not physically accessible, while the attainment of the remaining equilibrium states depends on both the temporal and the spatial parameters characterizing the perturbation. The results are derived for solar conditions, but in fact can be applied to outflows in other astrophysical systems. In particular, applications to the solar wind and flows in astrophysical jets are discussed.

Trussoni, E.↗
NASA NTRS1988

The formation of interstellar jets

The formation of interstellar jets by convergence of supersonic conical flows and the further dynamical evolution of these jets are investigated theoretically by means of numerical simulations. The results are presented in extensive graphs and characterized in detail. Strong radiative cooling is shown to result in jets with Mach numbers 2.5-29 propagating to lengths 50-100 times their original widths, with condensation of swept-up interstellar matter at Mach 5 or greater. The characteristics of so-called molecular outflows are well reproduced by the simulations of low-Mach-number and quasi-adiabatic jets.

Tenorio-Tagle, G.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Pulsations, Shocks, and Mass Loss

This grant provided long-term support for my investigation of the outflows powered by young stars. Several major research results emerged during the course of this research, including: (1) The discovery of giant Herbig-Haro outflows from young stars that can extend for many parsecs from their sources. The first parsec-scale outflow to be recognized led to the realization that Herbig-Haro outflows, even those produced by low mass young stellar objects, can extend orders of magnitude farther from their sources than previously thought. Our preconceptions were to a large extent driven by the narrow fields-of-view then provided by CCD detectors. With the recent advent of large format CCDs and CCD mosaics, we have come to realize that most outflows attain parsec-scale dimensions. Even at the distance of the Orion star forming clouds, such flows can subtend a degree on the sky. Our work has led to the recognition of over two dozen giant. (2) The discovery that outflows are highly clustered. Even regions of relatively isolated star formation such as those in Taurus frequently produce multiple outflows. (3) The discovery of a new family of externally irradiated jets. During the last year of support from this grant, we made the startling discovery that there is a class of jets from young stars that are illuminated by the ionizing radiation field of nearby massive stars. The first four examples were discovered in the vicinity of the a Orionis sub-group of the Orion OB Association which is believed to be at least 2 million years old. Since the jets are photo-ionized, their densities can be reliably estimated. Most HH jets are shock excited, and are therefore notoriously difficult to characterize since their visibility and observed properties depend on the complex and highly non-linear processes associated with shocks. Furthermore, many irradiated jets are one sided rather than bipolar. Thus, irradiated jets may for the first time be used to accurately diagnose jet densities and mass loss rates, and to probe the physics of jet collimation, and may indicate that the jet production phase of certain young stars may last more than a million years. These three discoveries provide us with fundamental new insights into the star formation process, into the physical conditions inside and near star forming clouds, and into new ways to probe the physics and chemistry of such clouds.

Bally, John↗
NASA NTRS2005

General Relativistic Magnetohydrodynamic Simulations of Collapsars

We have performed 2.5-dimensional general relativistic magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations of collapsars including a rotating black hole. Initially, we assume that the core collapse has failed in this star. A rotating black hole of a few solar masses is inserted by hand into the calculation. The simulation results show the formation of a disklike structure and the generation of a jetlike outflow near the central black hole. The jetlike outflow propagates and accelerated mainly by the magnetic field. The total jet velocity is approximately 0.3c. When the rotation of the black hole is faster, the magnetic field is twisted strongly owing to the frame-dragging effect. The magnetic energy stored by the twisting magnetic field is directly converted to kinetic energy of the jet rather than propagating as an Alfven wave. Thus, as the rotation of the black hole becomes faster, the poloidal velocity of the jet becomes faster.

Mizuno, Yosuke↗
NASA NTRS2022

A SUBLIME 3D Model for Cometary Coma Emission: The Hypervolatile-rich Comet C/2016 R2 (PanSTARRS)

The coma of comet C/2016 R2 (PanSTARRS) is one of the most chemically peculiar ever observed, in particular due to its extremely high CO/H2O and N(+2)/H2O ratios, and unusual trace volatile abundances. However, the complex shape of its CO emission lines, as well as uncertainties in the coma structure and excitation, has lead to ambiguities in the total CO production rate. We performed high-resolution, spatially, spectrally, and temporally resolved CO observations using the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope and Submillimeter Array to elucidate the outgassing behavior of C/2016 R2. Results are analyzed using a new, time-dependent, three-dimensional radiative transfer code (SUBlimating gases in LIME; SUBLIME, based on the open-source version of the LIne Modeling Engine), incorporating for the first time, accurate state-to-state collisional rate coefficients for the CO–CO system. The total CO production rate was found to be in the range of (3.8 − 7.6) × 10^(28) per s between 2018 January 13 and February 1 (at r(H) = 2.8–2.9 au), with a mean value of (5.3 ± 0.6) × 10^(28) per s. The emission is concentrated in a near-sunward jet, with a half-opening angle of ∼62° and an outflow velocity of 0.51 ± 0.01 km/s, compared to 0.25 ± 0.01 km/s in the ambient (and nightside) coma. Evidence was also found for an extended source of CO emission, possibly due to icy grain sublimation around 1.2 × 10^(5) km from the nucleus. Based on the coma molecular abundances, we propose that the nucleus ices of C/2016 R2 can be divided into a rapidly sublimating apolar phase, rich in CO, CO2, N2, and CH3OH, and a predominantly frozen (or less abundant), polar phase containing more H2O, CH4, H2CO, and HCN.

Martin Andrew Cordiner↗
NASA NTRS1986

Stellar and galactic jets - Theoretical issues

Theoretical issues pertaining to the modelling of jets in young stellar objects and in active galactic nuclei are reviewed. The strong morphological similarities between these two types of sources are emphasized, and observational constraints on the basic physical mechanisms that may be responsible for the jet phenomenon are outlined. Particular attention is given to the 'momentum-discharge problem' in molecular-cloud outflows and to its possible resolution in terms of a centrifugally driven magnetohydrodynamic wind from an accretion disk. In addition, various propagation effects are discussed, and the relevance to stellar jets of the de Laval collimation mechanism and of the accelerated-clump model for emission knots is assessed. The review concludes with a brief list of potentially useful observational tests.

Konigl, A.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Dynamics of a relativistic jet through magnetized media

The merger of two neutron stars (NSs) produces the emission of gravitational waves, the formation of a compact object surrounded by a dense and magnetized environment. If the binary undergoes delayed collapse a collimated and relativistic jet, which will eventually produce a short gamma-ray burst (SGRB), may be launched. The interaction of the jet with the environment has been shown to play a major role in shaping the structure of the outflow that eventually powers the gamma-ray emission. In this paper, we present a set of 2.5D RMHD simulations that follow the evolution of a relativistic non-magnetized jet through a medium with different magnetization levels, as produced after the merger of two NSs. We find that the predominant consequence of a magnetized ambient medium is that of suppressing instabilities within the jet and preventing the formation of a series of collimation shocks. One implication of this is that internal shocks lose efficiency, causing bursts with low-luminosity prompt emission. On the other hand, the jet-head velocity and the induced magnetization within the jet are fairly independent of the magnetization of the ambient medium. Future numerical studies with a larger domain are necessary to obtain light curves and spectra in order to better understand the role of magnetized media.

(magnetohydrodynamics) MHD↗
NASA NTRS1974

Test techniques for obtaining off-nominal compressor data during engine tests

Several unique techniques and related devices are described which are in use at the Lewis Research Center for off-design testing of fan and compressor sections in full-scale jet engines. The devices presented permit a wide range of experimental conditions and minimize downtime for hardware changes. The techniques involve use of such devices as inlet pressure distortion jets, a hydrogen burner for inlet temperature distortions, fan back pressure jets to simulate a variable area nozzle, and either an inflow-outflow bleed system or a fuel spurt system to alter compressor discharge pressure.

Biesiadny, T. J.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Test techniques for obtaining off-nominal compressor data during engine tests

Several unique techniques and related devices are in use at the Lewis Research Center for off-design testing of fan and compressor sections in full-scale jet engines. The devices presented not only permit a wide range of experimental conditions but also minimize downtime for hardware changes. The techniques involve use of such devices as inlet pressure distortion jets, a hydrogen burner for inlet temperature distortions, fan back pressure jets to simulate a variable area nozzle, and either an inflow-outflow bleed system or a fuel spurt system to alter compressor discharge pressure.

Biesiadny, T. J.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Preferential positron heating and acceleration by synchrotron maser instabilities in relativistic positron-electron-proton plasmas

A new process of the preferential strong heating of positrons through the ion synchrotron maser instability in positron-electron-proton magnetized plasmas is investigated using particle-in-cell simulations. It is shown that the positrons form a nonthermal power-law-like energy distribution via their gyroresonant interaction with the extraordinary modes emitted by the ions. It is noted that this process may be of significance in connection with the shock excitation of nonthermal synchrotron radiation from astrophysical systems powered by relativistic outflows from compact central objects, e.g., supernova remnants powered by pulsars and jets from active galactic nuclei.

Hoshino, Masahiro↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Moon Burst Energetics All-sky Monitor: A Beyond Earth-orbit Gamma-ray Burst Detector for Multi-Messenger Astronomy

Moon Burst Energetics All-sky Monitor (MoonBEAM) is a gamma-ray mission in a cislunar orbit to observe the entire sky instantaneously for relativistic astrophysical explosions. It is designed to explore the behavior of matter and energy under extreme conditions by observing the prompt emission from gamma-ray bursts, identifying the conditions capable of launching transient relativistic jets and the origins of high-energy radiation from the relativistic outflows. MoonBEAM provides essential gamma-ray observations for multi-messenger astronomy by reporting on the prompt emission and providing rapid alerts to the astronomical community for contemporaneous and follow-up observations. In this era of multi-messenger astronomy, simultaneous broadband observations of relativistic transients are needed to construct a comprehensive picture of compact mergers and energetic phenomena, which is a key goal of the Astro2020 decadal survey theme New Windows on the Dynamic Universe. MoonBEAM provides the sensitive high-energy all-sky observation that is critical to transient and multi-messenger astronomy.

Gamma-rayburst↗
NASA NTRS2008

High-velocity Interstellar Bullets in IRAS 05506+2414: A Very Young Protostar

We have made a serendipitous discovery of an enigmatic outflow source, IRAS 05506+2414 (hereafter IRAS 05506), as part of a multiwavelength survey of pre-planetary nebulae (PPNs). The HST optical and near-infrared images show a bright compact central source with a jet-like extension, and a fan-like spray of high-velocity (with radial velocities up to 350 km/s) elongated knots which appear to emanate from it. These structures are possibly analogous to the near-IR bullets'' seen in the Orion Nebula. Interferometric observations at 2.6 mm show the presence of a continuum source and a high-velocity CO outflow, which is aligned with the optical jet structure. IRAS 05506 is most likely not a PPN. We find extended NH3 (1,1) emission toward IRAS 05506; these data, together with the combined presence of far-IR emission, H2O and OH masers, and CO and CS J=2-1 emission, strongly argue for a dense, dusty star-forming core associated with IRAS 05506. IRAS 05506 is probably an intermediate-mass or massive protostar, and the very short timescale (200 yr) of its outflows indicates that it is very young. If IRAS 05506 is a massive star, then the lack of radio continuum and the late G to early K spectral type we find from our optical spectra imply that in this object we are witnessing the earliest stages of its life, while its temperature is still too low to provide sufficient UV flux for ionization.

star formation↗
NASA NTRS2024

The Role of a Neutron Component in the Photospheric Emission of Long Duration Gamma-Ray Burst Jets

Long-duration gamma-ray bursts (LGRBs), thought to be produced during core-collapse supernovæ, may have a prominent neutron component in the outflow material. If present, neutrons can change how photons scatter in the outflow by reducing its opacity, thereby allowing the photons to decouple sooner than if there were no neutrons present. Understanding the details of this process could therefore allow us to probe the central engine of LGRBs, which is otherwise hidden. Here, we present results of the photospheric emission from an LGRB jet, using a combination of relativistic hydrodynamic simulations and radiative transfer post-processing using the Monte Carlo Radiation Transfer (MCRaT) code. We control the size of the neutron component in the jet material by varying the equilibrium electron fraction Y e , and we find that the presence of neutrons in the GRB fireball affects the Band parameters α and E 0 , while the picture with the β parameter is less clear. In particular, the break energy E 0 is shifted to higher energies. Additionally, we find that increasing the size of the neutron component also increases the total radiated energy of the outflow across multiple viewing angles. Our results not only shed light on LGRBs, but are also relevant to short-duration gamma-ray bursts associated with binary neutron star mergers, due to the likelihood of a prominent neutron component in such systems.

Gamma-ray bursts↗
NASA NTRS2004

High-Resolution Mesoscale Simulations of the 6-7 May 2000 Missouri Flash Flood: Impact of Model Initialization and Land Surface Treatment

High-resolution mesoscale model simulations of the 6-7 May 2000 Missouri flash flood event were performed to test the impact of model initialization and land surface treatment on timing, intensity, and location of extreme precipitation. In this flash flood event, a mesoscale convective system (MCS) produced over 340 mm of rain in roughly 9 hours in some locations. Two different types of model initialization were employed: 1) NCEP global reanalysis with 2.5-degree grid spacing and 12-hour temporal resolution, and 2) Eta reanalysis with 40- km grid spacing and $hour temporal resolution. In addition, two different land surface treatments were considered. A simple land scheme. (SLAB) keeps soil moisture fixed at initial values throughout the simulation, while a more sophisticated land model (PLACE) allows for r interactive feedback. Simulations with high-resolution Eta model initialization show considerable improvement in the intensity of precipitation due to the presence in the initialization of a residual mesoscale convective vortex (hlCV) from a previous MCS. Simulations with the PLACE land model show improved location of heavy precipitation. Since soil moisture can vary over time in the PLACE model, surface energy fluxes exhibit strong spatial gradients. These surface energy flux gradients help produce a strong low-level jet (LLJ) in the correct location. The LLJ then interacts with the cold outflow boundary of the MCS to produce new convective cells. The simulation with both high-resolution model initialization and time-varying soil moisture test reproduces the intensity and location of observed rainfall.

Baker, R. David↗