The gasdynamic evolution of spherical planetary nebulae: Radiation-gasdynamics of PNe III

Using a radiation-gasdynamics code the evolution of spherical planetary nebulae is followed, while taking into account the evolution of central star and the fast wind. These models show the importance of ionization fronts for the structure of planetary nebulae, especially for the so called multiple shell nebulae (MSPNe). It is shown that the outer shell is formed by the ionization front while the inner shell is swept-up by the fast wind. These models explain the emission profiles of the outer shells as well as their various kinematic properties. Because they are shaped by the ionization front these outer shells only give indirect information on the AGB mass loss history. The models indicate that typical MSPN structures point to mass loss variations during the AGB phase. The ionization also leads to a stalling of the expansion of the nebula, leading to nebulae with expansion ages lower than their evolutionary age. Values for ionized mass and Zanstra temperatures are derived from the models.