Force-free Self-similar Magnetically Driven Relativistic Jets

Abstract

We present a class of self-similar solutions which represent force-free, axisymmetric, special relativistic, ideal, magnetohydrodynamic, collimated outflows (jets) from magnetized accretion disks around compact objects. The solutions extend to large distances beyond the light cylinder, and capture many of the important processes of flow acceleration present in more general non-force-free solutions. We show that the important factor which determines the general morphology (degree of collimation) and the asymptotic Lorentz factor of the outflow is the distribution and total amount of electric current which flows along the jet. The present work makes the connection between the works of Li, Chiueh, & Begelman (1992) and Contopoulos (1994).