Multi-D magnetohydrodynamic modelling of pulsar wind nebulae: recent progress and open questions

Journal
Date Issued
2016
Author(s)
•
Del Zanna, L.
•
•
•
Mignone, A.
DOI
Abstract
In the last decade, the relativistic magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) modelling of pulsar wind nebulae, and of the Crab nebula in particular, has been highly successful, with many of the observed dynamical and emission properties reproduced down to the finest detail. Here, we critically discuss the results of some of the most recent studies: namely the investigation of the origin of the radio emitting particles and the quest for the acceleration sites of particles of different energies along the termination shock, by using wisp motions as a diagnostic tool; the study of the magnetic dissipation process in high magnetization nebulae by means of new long-term three-dimensional simulations of the pulsar wind nebula evolution; the investigation of the relativistic tearing instability in thinning current sheets, leading to fast reconnection events that might be at the origin of the Crab nebula gamma-ray flares.
Volume
82
Issue
6
Start page
635820601
Uri
Url
Issn Identifier
0022-3778
Ads BibCode
2016JPlPh..82f6301O
Rights
open.access
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