Jet Formation in GRBs: A Semi-analytic Model of MHD Flow in Kerr Geometry with Realistic Plasma Injection
Abstract
We construct a semi-analytic model for magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flows in Kerr geometry that incorporates energy loading via neutrino annihilation on magnetic field lines threading the horizon. We compute the structure of the double-flow established in the magnetisphere for a wide range of energy injection rates and identify the different operation regimes. At low injection rates, the outflow is powered by the spinning black hole via the Blandford-Znajek mechanism, whereas at high injection rates, it is driven by the pressure of the plasma deposited on magnetic field lines. In the intermediate regime, both processes contribute to the outflow formation. The parameter that quantifies the load is the ratio of the net power injected below the stagnation radius and the maximum power that can be extracted magnetically from the black hole.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- November 2014
- DOI:
- 10.1088/0004-637X/796/1/26
- arXiv:
- arXiv:1408.0126
- Bibcode:
- 2014ApJ...796...26G
- Keywords:
-
- black hole physics;
- gamma-ray burst: general;
- magnetohydrodynamics: MHD;
- neutrinos;
- relativistic processes;
- Astrophysics - High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena
- E-Print:
- 17 pages, 8 figures, submitted to ApJ