Simulations of superluminal radio sources

• DOI: 10.1093/mnras/288.4.833
• Publication Date: 2013-04-23T03:34:03Z
• Authors: S. S. Komissarov; S. A. E. G. Falle
• Keywords: Superluminal motion; Very-long-baseline interferometry; Astrophysical jet; Relativistic beaming; Collimated light; Relativistic quantum chemistry

Superluminal motions observed in very long-baseline interferometry (VLBI) radio sources are generally believed to be associated with moving shocks a collimated relativistic flow. Recent progress numerical fluid dynamics now makes it possible carry out simulations of such flows. In this paper we calculate the flow that occurs when shock caused by source variability encounters reconfinement induced pressure gradient medium through which jet propagates. We then use radiative transfer equation for an optically thin gas determine emission from These calculations take into account all three relevant effects i.e. Doppler effect, aberration and retardation. find our simulated images not only contain stationary superluminal knots, but also reproduce many other things observed, as extended features sharp inner edges limb brightening.