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Relativistic fireworks

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Abstract

We have studied a model of relativistic fireworks. In this model it is assumed that a series of explosions occur. In each explosion the fragments fly apart in arbitrary directions with a given velocity which is a parameter in the model.

We have succeeded in obtaining an exact expression for the distribution of fragments in velocity space aftern explosions.

We present an exact solution also in the limiting case of small velocity steps where the process turns into a diffusion in velocity space.

The development in configuration space has been obtained through Monte-Carlo numerical simulations.

The model has been applied to metagalactic cosmology. Although single explosions cannot reach the highest redshifts observed in the Hubble expansion the fireworks model offers a possibility to reach thesez-values in a few explosions.

The model gives a density inhomogeneity of 20% over a tenth of the Hubble distance as seen from a typical position. Observations show a considerably greater irregular variation.

The model gives a local velocity dispersion which is too great to comply with observations. A development of the model is suggested.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden

    Bertel Laurent

  2. Department of Plasma Physics, The Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden

    Per Carlqvist

Authors
  1. Bertel Laurent
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  2. Per Carlqvist
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Laurent, B., Carlqvist, P. Relativistic fireworks. Astrophys Space Sci 181, 211–235 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00639090

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00639090

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