| Self-similarity of the third type in ultra-relativistic blastwaves |
| Tamar Faran, Weizmann Institute |
| Event Type: Astro Seminar |
|
| Time: 2:00 PM - 3:15 PM |
|
| Location: 726 Broadway, 940, CCPP Seminar |
|
| Abstract: I will introduce a new class of self-similar solutions that emerge in the problem of relativistic explosions. Consider an ultra-relativistic shock wave propagating in a power-law density profile of the form rho ~ z^{-k}. Self-similar solutions of the first kind can be found for k < 7/4 using dimensional considerations. For steeper density gradients with k > 2, second type solutions are obtained by solving an eigen value problem. However, for intermediate power-law indices 7/4 < k < 2, the flow does not obey any of the known types of self-similarity. Instead, the solutions belong to a new class in which the self-similar dynamics are dictated by the non-self-similar part of the flow.
I will give a brief introduction to self-similar solutions and discuss the three classes — types I, II, II in the context of Newtonian and ultra relativistic blast waves. Link to the Event Video |