Supernova remnants and the interstellar medium - Constraints from cosmic-ray acceleration

Abstract

The reacceleration rate of cosmic rays by supernova (SN) remnants is calculated and expressed in terms of the parameters determining the cosmic ray model and the SN expansion. It is shown that the constraint on reacceleration derived from the B/C data leads to constraint on the expansion of SN remnants in the ISM and on the effective density of ISM. The effect of cloud evaporation is estimated and the expansion rate of supernova remnants, cosmic ray reacceleration, and the state of the ISM are solved for simultaneously. In the resulting self-consistent solution, SN remnants produce a reacceleration rate and an effective acceleration shock strength which is consistent with the values indicated by the cosmic ray data.