arXiv subjects

Yu-Qing Lou

Publications and source records attributed to Yu-Qing Lou.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

arXiv2006

Global structures in a composite system of two scale-free discs with a coplanar magnetic field

We investigate a theoretical MHD disc problem involving a composite disc system of gravitationally coupled stellar and gaseous discs with a coplanar magnetic field in the presence of an axisymmetric dark matter halo. The two discs are expediently approximated as razor-thin, a ring-like magnetic field, and a power-law rotation curve in radius . By imposing the scale-free condition, we construct analytically stationary global MHD perturbation configurations for both aligned and logarithmic spiral patterns. MHD perturbation configurations in a composite system of partial discs in the presence of an axisymmetric dark matter halo are also considered. We derive analytically the stationary MHD dispersion relations for both aligned and unaligned perturbation structures and analyze the corresponding phase relationships between surface mass densities and the magnetic field. Compared with earlier results, we obtain three solution branches corresponding to super fast MHD density waves, fast MHD density waves and slow MHD density waves, respectively. By evaluating the unaligned $m=0$ case, we determine the marginal stability curves where the two unstable regimes corresponding to Jeans collapse instability and ring fragmentation instability are identified. We find that the aligned $m=0$ case is simply the limit of the unaligned $m=0$ case with the radial wavenumber $ξ\to0$. We further show that a composite system of partial discs behaves much differently from a composite system of full discs in certain aspects. Our formalism provides a useful theoretical framework in the study of stationary global perturbation configurations for MHD disc galaxies with bars, spirals and barred spirals.

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arXiv2006

Dispersal of Gaseous Circumstellar Discs around High-Mass Stars

We study the dispersal of a gaseous disc surrounding a central high-mass stellar core once this circumstellar disc becomes fully ionized. If the stellar and surrounding EUV and X-ray radiations are so strong as to rapidly heat up and ionize the entire circumstellar disc as further facilitated by disc magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence, a shock can be driven to travel outward in the fully ionized disc, behind which the disc expands and thins. For an extremely massive and powerful stellar core, the ionized gas pressure overwhelms the centrifugal and gravitational forces in the disc. In this limit, we construct self-similar shock solutions for such an expansion and depletion phase. As a significant amount of circumstellar gas being removed, the relic disc becomes vulnerable to strong stellar winds and fragments into clumps. We speculate that disc disappearance happens rapidly, perhaps on a timescale of $\sim 10^3-10^4\hbox{yr}$ once the disc becomes entirely ionized sometime after the onset of thermal nuclear burning in a high-mass stellar core.

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arXiv2006

Envelope Expansion with Core Collapse. III. Similarity Isothermal Shocks in a Magnetofluid

We explore MHD solutions for envelope expansions with core collapse (EECC) with isothermal MHD shocks in a quasi-spherical symmetry and outline potential astrophysical applications of such magnetized shock flows. MHD shock solutions are classified into three classes according to the downstream characteristics near the core. Class I solutions are those characterized by free-fall collapses towards the core downstream of an MHD shock, while Class II solutions are those characterized by Larson-Penston (LP) type near the core downstream of an MHD shock. Class III solutions are novel, sharing both features of Class I and II solutions with the presence of a sufficiently strong magnetic field as a prerequisite. Various MHD processes may occur within the regime of these isothermal MHD shock similarity solutions, such as sub-magnetosonic oscillations, free-fall core collapses, radial contractions and expansions. We can also construct families of twin MHD shock solutions as well as an `isothermal MHD shock' separating two magnetofluid regions of two different yet constant temperatures. The versatile behaviours of such MHD shock solutions may be utilized to model a wide range of astrophysical problems, including star formation in magnetized molecular clouds, MHD link between the asymptotic giant branch phase to the proto-planetary nebula phase with a hot central magnetized white dwarf, relativistic MHD pulsar winds in supernova remnants, radio afterglows of soft gamma-ray repeaters and so forth.

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arXiv2005

Axisymmetric stability criteria for a composite system of stellar and magnetized gaseous singular isothermal discs

Using the fluid-magnetofluid formalism, we obtain axisymmetric stability criteria for a composite disc system consisting of stellar and gaseous magnetized singular isothermal discs (MSIDs). Lou & Zou recently constructed exact global stationary configurations for both axisymmetric and nonaxisymmetric coplanar MHD perturbations in such a composite MSID system and proposed the MHD $D_s-$criteria for axisymmetric stability by the hydrodynamic analogy. In a different perspective, we derive and analyze here the time-dependent WKBJ dispersion relation in the low-frequency and tight-winding regime to examine axisymmetric stability properties. By introducing a rotational Mach number $D_s$ for the ratio of the stellar rotation speed $V_s$ to the stellar velocity dispersion $a_s$, one readily determines the stable range of $D_s^2$ numerically to establish the $D_s-$criteria for axisymmetric MSID stability. Those MSID systems rotating either too fast (ring ragmentation) or too slow (Jeans collapse) are unstable. Our WKBJ results of (M)SID instability provide physically compelling explanations for the stationary analysis of Lou & Zou. We further introduce an effective MHD $Q$ parameter for a composite MSID system and compare with the earlier work of Elmegreen, Jog and Shen & Lou. As expected, an axisymmetric dark matter halo enhances the stability against axisymmetric disturbances in a composite partial MSID system.

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arXiv2005

Forming supermassive black holes by accreting dark and baryon matter

Given a large-scale mixture of self-interacting dark matter (SIDM) particles and baryon matter distributed in the early Universe, we advance here a two-phase accretion scenario for forming supermassive black holes (SMBHs) with masses around $\sim 10^9 M_{\odot}$ at high redshifts $z (\gsim 6)$. The first phase is conceived to involve a rapid quasi-spherical and quasi-steady Bondi accretion of mainly SIDM particles embedded with baryon matter onto seed black holes (BHs) created at redshifts $z\lsim 30$ by the first generation of massive Population III stars; this earlier phase rapidly gives birth to significantly enlarged seed BH masses of $M_{\hbox{\tiny BH},t_1}\backsimeq 1.4\times 10^6\ M_\odot σ_0/(1\hbox{cm}^2\hbox{g}^{-1})(C_s/30\hbox{km s}^{-1})^4$ during $z\sim 20-15$, where $σ_0$ is the cross section per unit mass of SIDM particles and $C_s$ is the velocity dispersion in the SIDM halo referred to as an effective "sound speed". The second phase of BH mass growth is envisaged to proceed primarily via baryon accretion, eventually leading to SMBH masses of $M_{\hbox{\tiny BH}}\sim 10^9 M_\odot$; such SMBHs may form either by $z\sim 6$ for a sustained accretion at the Eddington limit or later at lower $z$ for sub-Eddington mean accretion rates. We intend to account for the reported detections of a few SMBHs at early epochs, e.g., SDSS 1148+5251 and so forth, without necessarily resorting to either super-Eddington baryon accretion or very frequent BH merging processes. Only extremely massive dark SIDM halos associated with rare peaks of density fluctuations in the early Universe may harbour such early SMBHs or quasars. Observational consequences are discussed.

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arXiv2005

Envelope Expansion with Core Collapse II. Quasi-Spherical Self-Similar Solutions for an Isothermal Magnetofluid

We investigate self-similar magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) processes in an isothermal self-gravitating fluid with a quasi-spherical symmetry and extend the envelope expansion with core collapse (EECC) solutions of Lou & Shen by incorporating a random magnetic field. Stagnation surfaces of EECC solutions that seperate core collapse and envelope expansion propagate at constant speeds either sub-magnetosonically or super-magnetosonically. Crossing the magnetosonic line twice analytically, there exists an infinite number of discrete magnetized EECC and ECCC solutions. In addition to the EECC shock solution which could change the central accretion rate, the magnetic field can also affect the core accretion rate. As the magnetic parameter $λ$ increases, the core accretion rate appropriate for the MHD EWCS becomes larger. Under the frozen-in approximation, magnetic fields in the envelope expansion portion would scale as $B\propto r^{-1}$, while in the core collapse portion they would scale as $B\propto r^{-1/2}$. We discuss several astrophysical applications of EECC similarity solutions to the formation process of proto-planetary nebulae connecting the AGB phase and the planetary nebula, to supernova remnants, collapse of magnetized molecular cloud, to $\textrm{H}\ {\textrm{\small{II}}}$ clouds surrounding massive OB stars and to a certain evolution phase of galaxy clusters.

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arXiv2005

Spherical Isothermal Self-Similar Shock Flows

We explore self-similar dynamical processes in a spherical isothermal self-gravitational fluid with an emphasis on shocks and outline astrophysical applications of such shock solutions. The previous similarity shock solutions of Tsai & Hsu and of Shu et al. may be classified into two types: Class I solutions with downstream being free-fall collapses and Class II solutions with downstream being Larson-Penston (LP) type solutions. By the analyses of Lou & Shen and Shen & Lou, we further construct similarity shock solutions in the `semi-complete space'. These general shock solutions can accommodate and model dynamical processes of radial outflows (wind), inflows (accretion or contraction), subsonic oscillations, and free-fall core collapses all with shocks in various settings such as star-forming molecular clouds, `champagne flows' in H{\sevenrm II} regions around luminous massive OB stars or surrounding quasars, dynamical connection between the asymptotic giant branch phase to the proto-planetary nebula phase with a central hot white dwarf as well as accretion shocks around compact objects such as white dwarfs, neutron stars, and supermassive black holes. By a systematic exploration, we are able to construct families of infinitely many discrete Class I and Class II solutions matching asymptotically with a static outer envelope of singular isothermal sphere; the shock solutions of Tsai & Hsu form special subsets. These similarity shocks travel at either subsonic or supersonic constant speeds. We also construct twin shocks as well as an `isothermal shock' separating two fluid regions of two different yet constant temperatures.

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arXiv2005

The Progenitor of Supernova 2004dj in a Star Cluster

The progenitor of type II-plateau supernova (SN) 2004dj is identified with a supergiant in a compact star cluster known as "Sandage Star 96" (S96) in the nearby spiral galaxy NGC 2403, which was fortuitously imaged as part of the Beijing-Arizona-Taiwan-Connecticut (BATC) Multicolor Sky Survey from Feb 1995 to Dec 2003 prior to SN 2004dj. The superior photometry of BATC images for S96, taken with 14 intermediate-band filters covering 3000-10000Å, unambiguously establishes the star cluster nature of S96 with an age of $\sim 20$Myr, a reddening of $\hbox{E}(B-V)\sim 0.35$ mag and a total mass of $\sim 96,000$M$_{\odot}$. The compact star cluster nature of S96 is also consistent with the lack of light variations in the past decade. The SN progenitor is estimated to have a main-sequence mass of $\sim$12M$_{\odot}$. The comparison of our intermediate-band data of S96 with the post-outburst photometry obtained as the SN has significantly dimmed, may hopefully conclusively establish the nature of the progenitor.

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arXiv2004

Correlations among Multi-Wavelength Luminosities of Star-Forming Galaxies

It has been known for two decades that a tight correlation exists between far-infrared (FIR) and radio (1.4 and 4.8 GHz) global fluxes/luminosities from galaxies, which may be explained in terms of massive star formation activities in these galaxies. For this very reason, a correlation might also exist between X-ray and FIR/radio global luminosities of galaxies. We analyze data from {\it ROSAT} All-Sky Survey and {\it IRAS} to show that such correlation does indeed exist between FIR (42.5$-122.5μ$m) and soft X-ray (0.1$-$2.4keV) luminosities in active star-forming galaxies (ASFGs).In order to establish a physical connection between the $L_{\rmX}-L_{\rm FIR}$ correlation and global star formation rate (SFR) in galaxies, we empirically derive both $L_{\rm X}-L_{\rm B}$ and $L_{\rm FIR}-L_{\rm B}$ relations. Futhermore, we propose a relation between soft X-ray luminosity and SFR in star-forming galaxies. To further understand the $L_{\rm X}-L_{\rm FIR}$ relation, we construct an empirical model in which both FIR and X-ray emissions consist of two components with one being closely associated with star formation and the other not.

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arXiv2004

Structures in a class of magnetized scale-free discs

We construct analytically stationary global configurations for both aligned and logarithmic spiral coplanar magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) perturbations in an axisymmetric background MHD disc with a power-law surface mass density $Σ_0\propto r^{-α}$, a coplanar azimuthal magnetic field $B_0\propto r^{-γ}$, a consistent self-gravity and a power-law rotation curve $v_0\propto r^{-β}$ where $v_0$ is the linear azimuthal gas rotation speed. The barotropic equation of state $Π\proptoΣ^{n}$ is adopted for both MHD background equilibrium and coplanar MHD perturbations where $Π$ is the vertically integrated pressure and $n$ is the barotropic index. For a scale-free background MHD equilibrium, a relation exists among $α$, $β$, $γ$ and $n$ such that only one parameter (e.g., $β$) is independent. For a linear axisymmetric stability analysis, we provide global criteria in various parameter regimes. For nonaxisymmetric aligned and logarithmic spiral cases, two branches of perturbation modes (i.e., fast and slow MHD density waves) can be derived once $β$ is specified. To complement the magnetized singular isothermal disc (MSID) analysis of Lou, we extend the analysis to a wider range of $-1/4<β<1/2$. As an example of illustration, we discuss specifically the $β=1/4$ case when the background magnetic field is force-free. Angular momentum conservation for coplanar MHD perturbations and other relevant aspects of our approach are discussed.

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arXiv2004

MHD tidal waves on a spinning magnetic compact star

In an X-ray binary system, the companion star feeds the compact neutron star with plasma materials via accretions. The spinning neutron star is likely covered with a thin "magnetized ocean" and may support {\it magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) tidal waves}. While modulating the thermal properties of the ocean, MHD tidal waves periodically shake the base of the stellar magnetosphere that traps energetic particles, including radiating relativistic electrons. For a radio pulsar, MHD tidal waves in the stellar surface layer may modulate radio emission processes and leave indelible signatures on timescales different from the spin period. Accretion activities are capable of exciting these waves but may also obstruct or obscure their detections meanwhile. Under fortuitous conditions, MHD tidal waves might be detectable and offer valuable means to probe properties of the underlying neutron star. Similar situations may also occur for a cataclysmic variable -- an accretion binary system that contains a rotating magnetic white dwarf. This Letter presents the theory for MHD tidal waves in the magnetized ocean of a rotating degenerate star and emphasizes their potential diagnostics in X-ray and radio emissions.

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arXiv2004

Outflows and inflows in astrophysical systems

We seek for self-similar solutions describing the time-dependent evolution of self-gravity systems with either spherical symmetry or axisymmetric disk geometry. By assuming self-similar variable $x\equiv r/at$ where $a$ is isothermal sound speed we find self-similar solutions extending from the initial instant $t=0$ to the final stage $t\to \infty$ using standard semi-analytical methods. Different types of solutions are constructed, which describe overall expansion or collapse, envelope expansion with core collapse (EECC), the formation of central rotationally supported quasi-equilibrium disk as well as shocks. Though infinitely many, these self-similarity solutions have similar asymptotic behaviors which may impose diagnosis on the velocity and density structures in astrophysical systems.

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arXiv2004

Shocked similarity collapses and flows in star formation processes

We propose self-similar shocked flow models for certain dynamical evolution phases of young stellar objects (YSOs), `champagne flows' of H {\sevenrm II} regions surrounding OB stars and shaping processes of planetary nebulae (PNe). We analyze an isothermal fluid of spherical symmetry and construct families of similarity shocked flow solutions featured by: 1. either a core expansion with a finite central density or a core accretion at constant rate with a density scaling $\propto r^{-3/2}$; 2. a shock moving outward at a constant speed; 3. a preshock gas approaching a constant speed at large $r$ with a density scaling $\propto r^{-2}$. In addition to testing numerical codes, our models can accommodate diverse shocked flows with or without a core collapse or outflow and an envelope expansion or contraction. As an application, we introduce our model analysis to observations of Bok globule B335.

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arXiv2004

Global axisymmetric stability analysis for a composite system of two gravitationally coupled scale-free discs

In a composite system of gravitationally coupled stellar and gaseous discs, we perform linear stability analysis for axisymmetric coplanar perturbations using the two-fluid formalism. The background stellar and gaseous discs are taken to be scale-free with all physical variables varying as powers of cylindrical radius $r$ with compatible exponents. The unstable modes set in as neutral modes or stationary perturbation configurations with angular frequency $ω=0$.

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arXiv2004

Gravitationally coupled scale-free discs

In a composite fluid system of two gravitationally coupled barotropic scale-free discs bearing a rotation curve $v\propto r^{-β}$ and a power-law surface mass density $Σ_0\propto r^{-α}$ with $α=1+2β$, we construct coplanar stationary aligned and spiral perturbation configurations in the two discs. Due to the mutual gravitational interaction, there are two independent classes of perturbation modes with surface mass density disturbances in the two coupled discs being either in-phase or out-of-phase. We derive analytical criteria for such perturbation modes to exist and show numerical examples. We compute the aligned and spiral perturbation modes systematically to explore the entire parameter regime. For the axisymmetric $m=0$ case with radial oscillations, there are two unstable regimes of ring-fragmentation and collapse corresponding to short and long radial wavelengths, respectively. Only within a certain range of the rotation parameter $D_s^2$ (square of the effective Mach number for the stellar disc), can a composite disc system be stable against all axisymmetric perturbations. Compared with a single-disc system, the coupled two-disc system becomes less stable against such axisymmetric instabilities.

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arXiv2004

X-ray triple rings around the M87 jets in the central Virgo cluster

The Chandra X-ray data of the central Virgo cluster are re-examined to reveal a triple-ring structure around the galaxy M87, reminiscent of the spectacular triple-ring pattern of the SN1987A in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC). In the sky plane, the two apparent smaller ellipses are roughly aligned along the M87 jets; the larger ring centers at the M87 nucleus and is likely a circle roughly perpendicular to the M87 jet. Certain similarities of these two triple-ring structures might hint at similar processes that operate in these two systems with entirely different sizes and mass scales. We suspect that a major merging event of two galaxies with nuclear supermassive black holes (SMBHs) might create such a triple-ring structure and drove acoustic and internal gravity waves far and near. The M87 jets are perhaps powered by a spinning SMBH resulting from this catastrophic merging event.

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arXiv2004

Magnetic Sunyaev-Zel'dovich effect in galaxy clusters

This Letter explores influences of intracluster magnetic fields ($\gsim 1μ$G) submerged in the hot electron gas on classic Sunyaev-Zel'dovich effect (SZE) and thermal bremsstrahlung in X-ray emissions. As the Larmor frequency is much higher than all collision frequencies, the presence of magnetic field may lead to an anisotropic velocity distribution of hot electrons. For the two-temperature relativistic Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution, we compute modifications to the classical thermal SZE. Intracluster magnetic fields tend to enhance the SZE with steeper radial variations, which bear important consequences for cluster-based estimates of cosmological parameters. By applying the magnetic SZE theory to spectral observations of SZ and Chandra X-ray emissions from the galaxy cluster Abell 2163, a $\sim 30-40μ$G central core magnetic field $B_0$ is predicted. For the SZ and Chandra X-ray spectral observations of the Coma cluster, our theoretical analysis is also consistent with an observationally inferred $B_0\lsim 10μ$G. As the magnetic SZE is redshift $z$ independent, this mechanism might offer a potentially important and unique way of probing intracluster magnetic fields in the expanding universe.

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arXiv2003

Stationary perturbation configurations in a composite system of stellar and coplanarly magnetized gaseous singular isothermal discs

We construct aligned and unaligned stationary perturbation configurations in a composite system of stellar and coplanarly magnetized gaseous singular isothermal discs (SIDs) coupled by gravity. In comparison with SID problems studied earlier, there exist three possible classes of stationary solutions allowed by more dynamic freedoms. Our exact global perturbation solutions and critical points are valuable for testing numerical magnetohydrodynamic codes. For galactic applications, our model analysis contains more realistic elements and offer useful insights for structures and dynamics of disc galaxies consisting of stars and magnetized gas.

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