Large-Scale Explosions and Superbubbles in the Galactic Disk and Halo. I. Magnetohydrodynamic Simulations
Abstract
The evolution of the interstellar superbubbles arising from sequential supernova explosions or winds from OB associations in the Galactic disk is studied numerically, using a two-dimensional magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) code. We find that in the presence of horizontal magnetic fields of strength comparable to that in the Galactic disk, B = 5 micro G, the vertical expansion of the superbubbles (the contact surface) can, under some conditions, be significantly inhibited by the effect of a decelerating J x B force. At the same time, the outermost effect of the disturbance actually propagates somewhat faster than in nonmagnetic cases, as an MHD fast shock or nonlinear wave. The implications of our results for galactic supershells, the galactic fountain, observed activity in starburst galaxies, and supernova remnants are briefly discussed.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- June 1993
- DOI:
- 10.1086/172696
- Bibcode:
- 1993ApJ...409..663M
- Keywords:
-
- Bubbles;
- Galactic Halos;
- Interstellar Matter;
- Milky Way Galaxy;
- Supernovae;
- Astronomical Models;
- Interstellar Magnetic Fields;
- Astrophysics;
- ISM: BUBBLES;
- ISM: MAGNETIC FIELDS;
- ISM: SUPERNOVA REMNANTS;
- MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS: MHD