Theoretical studies of interstellar molecular shocks – I. General formulation and effects of the ion–molecule chemistry

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Abstract
We present a formulation of the problem of magnetohydrodynamic shock propagation through an interstellar cloud in a form which is adapted to the inclusion of the ion – molecule chemistry. Continuous (C-type) shocks are considered and comparison is made with the earlier work of Draine and of Draine, Roberge & Dalgarno, in which ion – molecule reactions were neglected. We find that the inclusion of endothermic ion – molecule reactions, driven by the relative streaming of the ionized and neutral fluids, has a profound effect on the shock structure. In particular, the width of the shock is greatly enhanced and the maximum temperature attained by the neutral gas is much reduced.

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