Three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic simulations of buoyant bubbles in galaxy clusters

Abstract

We present the results of numerical models of bubble dynamics and morphology in magnetized galaxy cluster environments. Our set of simulations follows the evolution of initially spherical bubbles that rise buoyantly through the intracluster medium. As a result of commonly used initial conditions, such bubbles quickly develop into a toroidal shape that is stable against fragmentation in the absence of magnetic forces. The inclusion of even modest ambient magnetic fields, however, substantially affects such structures, and we discuss how bubble evolution depends upon ambient field strength and geometry. © 2009 American Institute of Physics.