3D Relativistic MHD numerical simulations of X-shaped radio sources
Journal
Date Issued
2017
Author(s)
Abstract
A significant fraction of extended radio sources presents a peculiar X-shaped radio morphology: in addition to the classical double lobed structure, radio emission is also observed along a second axis of symmetry in the form of diffuse wings or tails. In a previous investigation we showed the existence of a connection between the radio morphology and the properties of the host galaxies. Motivated by this connection we performed two-dimensional numerical simulations showing that X-shaped radio sources may naturally form as a jet propagates along the major axis a highly elliptical density distribution, because of the fast expansion of the cocoon along the minor axis of the distribution.
Aims: We intend to extend our analysis by performing three-dimensional numerical simulations and investigating the role of different parameters in determining the formation of the X-shaped morphology.
Methods: The problem is addressed by numerical means, carrying out three-dimensional relativistic magnetohydrodynamic simulations of bidirectional jets propagating in a triaxial density distribution.
Results: We show that only jets with power ≲ 1044 erg s-1 can give origin to an X-shaped morphology and that a misalignment of 30° between the jet axis and the major axis of the density distribution is still favourable to the formation of this kind of morphology. In addition we compute synthetic radio emission maps and polarization maps.
Conclusions: In our scenario for the formation of X-shaped radio sources only low power FRII can give origin to such kind of morphology. Our synthetic emission maps show that the different observed morphologies of X-shaped sources can be the result of similar structures viewed under different perspectives.
Volume
606
Start page
A57
Issn Identifier
0004-6361
Ads BibCode
2017A&A...606A..57R
Rights
open.access
File(s)![Thumbnail Image]()
![Thumbnail Image]()
Loading...
Name
aa30594-17.pdf
Description
Pdf editoriale
Size
6.97 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
cd5e809b87beb2a9e84a603f26a164d9
Loading...
Name
1705.07799.pdf
Description
postprint
Size
4.69 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
fc52645d33b9f0bfe85f978e27415be4