Fluid dynamics of astrophysical jets

The basic fluid dynamics of large- and small-scale astrophysical jets is examined, reviewing the results of recent observational and theoretical investigations. The features of the standard model of an adiabatic light supersonic gas jet penetrating a background medium of constant density and pressure are discussed, including the mean flow, nonlinear structures, and surface instabilities, and particular attention is given to the stability of extragalactic radio jets (linear stability analyses, nonlinear pinch and kink instabilities, and jet deflection); jets in nonuniform atmospheres; the effects of magnetic fields and radiative cooling; and the current status of three-dimensional simulations. 66 refs