The evolution of the Milky Way disc. I. Vertical structure and local constraints.

Details The evolution of the Milky Way disc. I. Vertical structure and local constraints. The evolution of the Milky Way disc. I. Vertical structure and local constraints.

Apr 1997

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1997a%26a...320..428h&link_type=abstract

Astronomy and Astrophysics, v.320, p.428-439

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

57

Stars: Luminosity Function, Mass Function, Galaxy: Evolution, Galaxy: Solar Neighbourhood, Galaxy: Stellar Content, Galaxy: Structure

Scientific paper

Deriving the Initial Mass Function and the Star Formation Rate (hereafter IMF and SFR) history of disc stars from local data implies assumptions concerning the vertical structure of the disc. Conversely, an accurate description of the vertical density of the stellar disc would require a precise knowledge of the stellar formation history. In this paper, the constraints available from local data on these two aspects are reviewed, and the interdependence between the SFR, the secular heating of the disc stars, and the shape of the density profile in the z direction is quantified. As a consequence, the validity of exponential density models to represent the vertical structure of the disc is questioned and the uncertainties that affect the IMF derivation from the local LF are reevaluated. We show that under realistic assumptions on the SFR history, the observed local luminosity function gives little support for a bimodal IMF. Comparison of the observed local LF with synthetic LF brings tighter contraints on acceptable SFR and their corresponding IMF between 1 and 3 solar masses. These include decreasing SFR with IMF index x=~1.5, constant SFR with IMF index x=~2.0, or increasing SFR with IMF index x=~2.5.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

The evolution of the Milky Way disc. I. Vertical structure and local constraints. does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with The evolution of the Milky Way disc. I. Vertical structure and local constraints., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The evolution of the Milky Way disc. I. Vertical structure and local constraints. will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1315604