Long-term evolution of magnetized bubbles in galaxy clusters

Wei Liu, Hui Li, Shengtai Li, Scott C. Hsu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

We have performed nonlinear ideal magnetohydrodynamic simulations of the long-term evolution of a magnetized low-density "bubble" plasma formed by a radio galaxy in a stratified cluster medium. It is found that about 3.5% of the initial magnetic energy remains in the bubble after ∼8 × 109 yr, and the initial magnetic bubble expansion is adiabatic. The bubble can survive for at least 8 × 109 yr due to the stabilizing effect of the bubble magnetic field on Rayleigh-Taylor and Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities, possibly accounting for "ghost cavities" as observed in Perseus A. A. filament structure spanning about 500 kpc is formed along the path of bubble motion. The mean value of the magnetic field inside this structure is-0.88 μG at ∼8 × 10 9 yr. Finally, the initial bubble momentum and rotation have limited influence on the long-term evolution of the bubble.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)L57-L60
JournalAstrophysical Journal
Volume684
Issue number2 PART 2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2008

Keywords

  • Galaxies:jets
  • MHD
  • Magnetic fields
  • Methods:numerical

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

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