The stability of interstellar clouds containing magnetic fields

Details The stability of interstellar clouds containing magnetic fields The stability of interstellar clouds containing magnetic fields

Oct 1978

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1978apj...225...95l&link_type=abstract

Astrophysical Journal, Part 1, vol. 225, Oct. 1, 1978, p. 95-106.

Mathematics

56

Gravitational Collapse, Interstellar Gas, Interstellar Magnetic Fields, Magnetohydrodynamic Stability, Continuity (Mathematics), Equations Of Motion, Hydrogen Clouds, Plasma Clouds, Poisson Equation, Stellar Mass

Scientific paper

The stability of interstellar clouds against gravitational collapse and fragmentation in the presence of magnetic fields is investigated. A magnetic field can provide pressure support against collapse if it is strongly coupled to the neutral gas; this coupling is mediated by ion-neutral collisions in the gas. The time scale for the growth of perturbations in the gas is found to be a sensitive function of the fractional ion abundance of the gas. For a relatively large fractional ion abundance, corresponding to strong coupling, the collapse of the gas is retarded. Star formation is inhibited in dense clouds and the collapse time for diffuse clouds can exceed the limit on their lifetime set by disruptive processes. For a small fractional ion abundance, the magnetic fields do not inhibit collapse and the distribution of the masses of collapsing fragments are likely to be quite different in regions of differing ion abundance. The solutions also predict the existence of large-scale density waves corresponding to two gravitational-magnetoacoustic modes. The conditions which best support these modes correspond to those found in the giant molecular clouds.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

The stability of interstellar clouds containing magnetic fields 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 stability of interstellar clouds containing magnetic fields, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The stability of interstellar clouds containing magnetic fields will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1689827