A multi-epoch VLBI survey of the kinematics of CFJ sources II. Analysis of the kinematics

Context. This is the second in a series of papers presenting VLBI observations of the 293 Caltech- Jodrell Bank Flat-spectrum (hereafter CJF) sources and their analysis. Aims. We obtain a consistent motion dataset large enough to allow the systematic properties of the population to be studied. Methods. We present detailed kinematic analysis of the complete flux-density limited CJF survey. We computed 2D kinematic models based on the optimal model-fitting parameters of multi-epoch VLBA observations. This allows us to calculate not only radial, but also orthogonal motions, and thus to study curvature and acceleration. Statistical tests of the motions measured and their reliability were performed. A correlation analysis between the derived apparent motions, luminosities, spectral indices, and core dominance and the resulting consequences is described. Results. With at least one velocity in each of the 237 sources, this sample is much larger than any available before, so it allows a meaningful statistical investigation of apparent motions and any possible correlations with other parameters in AGN jets. The main results to emerge are as follows:-In general motions are not consistent with a single uniform velocity applicable to all components along a jet.-We find a slight trend towards a positive outward acceleration and also adduce some evidence for greater acceleration in the innermost regions.-We find a lack of fast components at physical distances less than a few pc from the reference feature.-Only similar to 4% of the components from galaxies and