Rings, shells, and arc structures around B[e] supergiants: I. Classical tools of non-linear hydrodynamics

Abstract

Structures in circumstellar matter reflect both fast processes and quasi-equilibrium states. A geometrical diversity of emitting circumstellar matter is observed around evolved massive stars, in particular around B[e] supergiants. We recapitulate classical analytical tools of linear and non-linear potential theory, such as Cole-Hopf transformations and Grad-Shafranov theory, and develop them further to explain occurrence of the circumstellar matter structures and their dynamics. We use potential theory to formulate the non-linear hydrodynamical equations and test dilatations of the quasi-equilibrium initial conditions. We find that a wide range of flow patterns can basically be generated and the time scales can switch, based on initial conditions, and lead to eruptive processes, reinforcing that the non-linear fluid environment includes both quasi-stationary structures and fast processes like finite-time singularities. Some constraints and imposed symmetries can lead to Keplerian orbits, while other constraints can deliver quasi-Keplerian ones. The threshold is given by a characteristic density at the stellar surface.