A statistical model for the initial stellar mass function

Details A statistical model for the initial stellar mass function A statistical model for the initial stellar mass function

Apr 1979

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1979apj...229..242s&link_type=abstract

Astrophysical Journal, Part 1, vol. 229, Apr. 1, 1979, p. 242-256.

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

102

Binary Stars, Protostars, Statistical Analysis, Stellar Evolution, Stellar Mass, Stellar Mass Accretion, Acoustic Velocity, Density Distribution, Deposition, Fragmentation, Gravitational Collapse, Laplace Transformation, Relaxation Time, Stellar Luminosity, Time Dependence

Scientific paper

The nonlinear stages of the fragmentation of a collapsing molecular cloud are modeled by coagulation theory. Several distinct physical processes are discussed, including protostellar fragment coalescence, gas accretion, and binary formation. This work confirms and extends the earlier result of Nakano (1966) that an approximately self-similar limiting form of the mass spectrum develops after several mean initial collision times. An approximate solution to the velocity-averaged coagulation equation is given for an arbitrary power-law dependence of the coalescence rate on mass, with dimensional dependence proportional to m to the power lambda; i.e., the asymptotic mass spectrum varies as m to the -3 lambda/2 power at small masses and cuts off exponentially at large masses, the characteristic mass depending on the number of collision times elapsed. Simple physical arguments suggest that lambda may increase with increasing mass, but is restricted to the range from 2/3 to 4/3. A large fraction of collisions could result in binary formation.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

A statistical model for the initial stellar mass function 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 A statistical model for the initial stellar mass function, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and A statistical model for the initial stellar mass function will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1435150