NONTHERMAL PARTICLES IN H I SHELLS AND SUPERSHELLS

A model was constructed that describes the spatial distribution and sp ectra of char-ed particles in massive shells of partially ionized hydr ogen that surround OB associations at the stage of multiple supernova explosions. The distribution functions of protons and electrons in H I shells, as well as the rate of primary ionization of hydrogen by nont hermal particles, were calculated. The model accounts for the convecti ve-diffusive propagation of nonthermal particles in shells. The format ion rate for the molecular ion H-2+, as well as the rate for helium (H e+ and He++) ionization by nonthermal protons, were obtained. Analytic al approximations describing the variation in the hydrogen- and helium -ionization rates within a shell are given.