Simulations of gamma-ray bursts from external shocks: Time variability and spectral correlations

A. Panaitescu, P. Mészáros

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Abstract

We compute burst spectra and time structures arising from synchrotron and inverse Compton scattering by nonthermal electrons accelerated in shocks that form during the interaction between a thin ultrarelativistic fireball and a stationary external medium. We investigate the effect of varying the most important model parameters on the resulting burst spectra, and we present a set of correlations among the spectral and temporal features of the bursts. The spectral hardness, various spectral-temporal correlations, and the spectral evolution of the simulated bursts are compared to those of observed bursts for a representative set of model parameters. Multipulse structures are simulated using a variable magnetic field and anisotropic emission, and the most important spectral and temporal properties of these pulses are compared with observations.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)683-695
Number of pages13
JournalAstrophysical Journal
Volume492
Issue number2 PART I
DOIs
StatePublished - 1998

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

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