The complex evolution of AGN outflows: Challenges of simulating and interpreting observations of AGN activity
Abstract
One of Athena's primary goals is investigating the physics of AGN feedback on galaxy scales, as well as the influence this feedback has upon galaxy star formation histories, transport of gas and heavy elements to galactic outskirts and formation of hot diffuse gas envelopes around galaxies. In order to investigate these processes, we must have a good understanding of the interaction between AGN winds and the surrounding medium, the formation and evolution of AGN-driven outflows. I will present results of numerical simulations, based on the wind-driven outflow model, showing that AGN outflows cool down and fragment rapidly and that some regions of the interstellar medium are more likely to be compressed rather than expelled by a passing outflow. These processes create additional complexity, both in terms of gas morphology and its energetics, which can complicate the interpretation of observational data. Furthermore, the choice of numerical resolution and feedback recipes can have decisive influence upon the results of numerical simulations. I will suggest ways to improve the simulations, so that they give more accurate predictions for Athena observations and help interpreting them in light of the complex processes occurring at the interface between AGN winds and the interstellar medium.
- Publication:
-
Exploring the Hot and Energetic Universe: The first scientific conference dedicated to the Athena X-ray observatory
- Pub Date:
- September 2015
- Bibcode:
- 2015eheu.conf...50Z