On the propensity of the formation of massive clumps via fragmentation of driven shells

Details On the propensity of the formation of massive clumps via fragmentation of driven shells On the propensity of the formation of massive clumps via fragmentation of driven shells

2011-01-05

arxiv.org/abs/1101.0860v1

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

Galaxy Astrophysics

17 pages; 5 Figures. Accepted for publication in New Astronomy

Scientific paper

Early type massive stars drive thin, dense shells whose edges often show evidence of star-formation. The possibility of fragmentation of these shells, leading to the formation of putative star-forming clumps is examined with the aid of semi-analytic arguments. We also derive a mass-spectrum for clumps condensing out of these shells by performing Monte-Carlo simulations of the problem. By extending on results from our previous work on the stability of thin, dense shells, we argue that clump-mass estimated by other authors in the past, under a set of simplifying assumptions, are several orders of magnitude smaller than those calculated here. Using the expression for the fastest growing unstable mode in a shock-confined shell, we show that fragmentation of a typical shell can produce clumps with a typical mass $\gtrsim 10^{3}$ M$_{\odot}$. It is likely that such clumps could spawn a second generation of massive and/or intermediate-mass stars which could in turn, trigger the next cycle of star-formation. We suggest that the ratio of shell thickness-to-radius evolves only weakly with time. Calculations have been performed for stars of seven spectral types, ranging from B1 to O5. We separately consider the stability of supernova remnants.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

On the propensity of the formation of massive clumps via fragmentation of driven shells 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 On the propensity of the formation of massive clumps via fragmentation of driven shells, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and On the propensity of the formation of massive clumps via fragmentation of driven shells will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-266040