The time evolution of an ionization front
G. Tenorio-Tagle;
AaA, 1976, 53, 411
ABSTRACT:The evolutionary development of an ionization front (I-front) is investigated by carrying out a numerical computation that clearly shows all the
particular features which link together the various types of I-fronts from the
beginning to the end of their evolution under a realistic set of boundary
conditions.
The differential gasdynamic equations needed to construct dynamical
models are solved numerically using a simultaneous iteration method for the
plane-parallel case of an undisturbed gas, and the temporal evolution of a very fast but
weak R-front is examined.
The evolution is traced through the phases of a
strong D-front, a critical D-front, and a weak D-front (the end of
evolution).
The results indicate that the shock, not the I-front, produces the main
mechanical effect on the gas.
A seven-stage evolutionary sequence is outlined.
KEYWORDS: gas ionization, hydrogen clouds, interstellar gas, shock fronts, astronomical models, equations of motion, gas dynamics, shock wave propagation, time dependence
PERSOKEY:region hii, ,
CODE: tenorio-tagle76