Radio relics are vast synchrotron sources that sit on the outskirts of merging galaxy clusters. In this work we model their formation using a Press-Schechter formalism to simulate merger rates, analytical models for the intracluster medium and the shock dynamics, as well as a simple model for the cosmic-ray electrons at the merger shocks. We show that the statistical properties of the population of radio relics are strongly dependent on key physical parameters, such as the acceleration efficiency, the magnetic field strength at the relic, the geometry of the relic and the duration of the electron acceleration at merger shocks. It turns out that the flux distribution as well as the power-mass relation can constrain key parameters of the intracluster medium. With the advent of new large-area radio surveys, statistical analyses of radio relics will complement what we have learned from observations of individual objects.

Analytical model for cluster radio relics

Vazza, F
Conceptualization
2020

Abstract

Radio relics are vast synchrotron sources that sit on the outskirts of merging galaxy clusters. In this work we model their formation using a Press-Schechter formalism to simulate merger rates, analytical models for the intracluster medium and the shock dynamics, as well as a simple model for the cosmic-ray electrons at the merger shocks. We show that the statistical properties of the population of radio relics are strongly dependent on key physical parameters, such as the acceleration efficiency, the magnetic field strength at the relic, the geometry of the relic and the duration of the electron acceleration at merger shocks. It turns out that the flux distribution as well as the power-mass relation can constrain key parameters of the intracluster medium. With the advent of new large-area radio surveys, statistical analyses of radio relics will complement what we have learned from observations of individual objects.
File in questo prodotto:
File Dimensione Formato  
11585_740329.pdf

accesso aperto

Tipo: Versione (PDF) editoriale
Licenza: Licenza per accesso libero gratuito
Dimensione 2.95 MB
Formato Adobe PDF
2.95 MB Adobe PDF Visualizza/Apri

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11585/740329
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? ND
  • Scopus 22
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 22
social impact