Simulation of Shock-Shock interaction in parsec-scale jets

TL;DR

This paper uses relativistic hydrodynamic simulations to model shock-shock interactions in parsec-scale jets, explaining observed radio light curve features in blazar CTA102 during a flare.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed simulation approach to study shock interactions in jets, linking physical processes to observable radio emission changes.

Findings

Simulated synchrotron emission shows increased flux density and frequency during shock interaction.

Post-interaction, emission parameters return to initial values.

Results help interpret radio light curves of blazar flares.

Abstract

The analysis of the radio light curves of the blazar CTA102 during its 2006 flare revealed a possible interaction between a standing shock wave and a traveling one. In order to better understand this highly non-linear process, we used a relativistic hydrodynamic code to simulate the high energy interaction and its related emission. The calculated synchrotron emission from these simulations showed an increase in turnover flux density, $S_{m}$, and turnover frequency, $\nu_{m}$, during the interaction and decrease to its initial values after the passage of the traveling shock wave.