Shaping relativistic jets: from emission models to RMHD simulations

Abstract

Blazar jets exhibit broadband non-thermal emission and rapid variability that can be reproduced by parametric radiation models constrained by multi-wavelength observations.

However, these models require assumptions about the geometry, size, and physical state of the emitting region, which ultimately depend on the underlying jet dynamics.

To address this, high-resolution RMHD simulations are performed to investigate recollimation shocks produced by jet–environment interaction and the downstream instabilities that develop.

Shock structure and instability growth rates are analyzed as functions of jet Lorentz factor, magnetization, and external pressure gradients.

Combined with parametric emission modeling, these first-principles jet simulations provide complementary constraints on the physical conditions in relativistic AGN jets.