Year: 2006
Type: article
Abstract: The shock model of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) contains two equipartition parameters: the magnetic energy density and the kinetic energy density of the electrons relative to the total energy density of the shock, B and e , respectively. These are free parameters within the model. Whereas the Weibel shock theory and numerical simulations fix B at the level of a few times 10 -3 to 10 -4 , no understanding of e exists so far. Here we demonstrate that it inevitably follows from the theory that e ≃ 1/2 . The GRB afterglow data fully agree with this theoretical prediction. Our result explains why the electrons are close to equipartition in GRBs. The e - B relation can potentially be used to reduce the number of free parameters in afterglow models.
Source: The Astrophysical Journal
DOI: 10.1086/509075
Author: Mikhail V. Medvedev
Institution: University of Kansas
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W2004877674