Basic inconsistencies in models of interstellar cosmic-ray acceleration
Abstract
It is shown that if a model assumes that cosmic rays are preinjected into the galactic disk at subrelativistic energy E(inj) and later accelerated in interstellar space, then for any given value of E(inj), the model can be ruled out by observations. One implication is that if cosmic-ray acceleration is due to shocks, then the shocks themselves must make the cosmic rays directly from a thermal plasma, not merely accelerate ones that were previously injected by other galactic processes. Given the observed energy dependence of the secondary-to-primary ratio, it is also shown that reacceleration by subsequent shocks is not a major effect.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- May 1980
- DOI:
- 10.1086/157927
- Bibcode:
- 1980ApJ...237..809E
- Keywords:
-
- Astronomical Models;
- Cosmic Rays;
- Galactic Radiation;
- Interstellar Radiation;
- Particle Acceleration;
- Relativistic Particles;
- Gas Ionization;
- Shock Heating;
- Thermal Plasmas;
- Space Radiation