A theoretical model of Fanaroff-Riley I jets

A fluid model of the jets in Fanaroff-Riley I class radio sources based on the idea that they are supersonic turbulent pressure confined flows consisting of relativistic and non-relativistic gases is described. Numerical simulations are used to investigate the properties of such flows propagating through typical atmospheres of an elliptical. The models whose parameters agree with the observational constraints on FR-I jets power, density, velocity, Mach number, spreading rate and pressure of relativistic particles are calculated. Natural assumptions such as a conservation of relativistic particles an equipartition of energy between magnetic field and turbulent motions are used to estimate the intensity evolution along simulated jets. It is concluded that an effective acceleration of relativistic particles is required to account for the observed FR-I jet brightness distribution.Paper presented at the 11th European Regional Astronomical Meetings of the IAU on New Windows to the Universe, held 3–8 July, 1989, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain