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The magnetic fields in interstellar medium (ISM) of spiral galaxies can be observationally studied by Faraday rotation measures (RM), which depends on the thermal electron density and magnetic field strength parallel to the line of sight. The spatially intermittent structure of magnetic field and thermal electron density might affect the interpretation of RM observations. We aim to study the effect of structures in magnetic field and electron density on the statistical properties of RM using numerical simulations. First, we would generate idealized magnetic and electron density structures (random ellipsoids in a triply periodic domain) and generate a mock RM map. We would then calculate the statistical properties of RM as a function of size of structures and angle between the magnetic field and electron density structure. Finally, we would calculate RM properties from magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations (as a function of Mach number, which quantifies the compressibility of the medium) and then compare it with results obtained using idealized structures to constrain the properties of structures, as imprinted in the RM map, in MHD simulations. The project would inform us about the effect of structures on the RM and provide an algorithm to convert observed statistical properties of the RM to physical size of magnetic and electron density structures in the ISM. Please see separate reminder email for zoom details. |
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