A two-component jet model based on the Blandford-Znajek and Blandford-Payne processes

Abstract

We propose a two-component jet model consistent with the observations of several gamma ray bursts (GRBs) and active galactic nuclei (AGNs). The jet consists of inner and outer components, which are supposed to be driven by the Blandford-Znajek (BZ) and Blandford-Payne (BP) processes, respectively. The baryons in the BP jet are accelerated centrifugally via the magnetic field anchored in the accretion disk. The BZ jet is assumed to be entrained in a fraction of accreting matter leaving the inner edge of the accretion disk, and the baryons are accelerated in the conversion from electromagnetic energy to kinetic energy. By fitting the Lorentz factors of some GRBs (GRB 030329, GRB 051221A and GRB 080413B) and AGNs (Cen A, Mkn 501 and Mkn 421) with this model, we constrain the physical parameters related to the accretion and outflow of these two kinds of objects. We conclude that the spine/sheath structure of the jet from these sources can be interpreted naturally by the BZ and BP processes. © 2012 National Astronomical Observatories of Chinese Academy of Sciences and IOP Publishing Ltd.