Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics – Galaxy Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2011-04-11
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Galaxy Astrophysics
Accepted for publication in MNRAS. Supplementary material can be found at ftp://hydra.shef.ac.uk/pub/spg/TRAP_SUPLIMENTARY.pdf
Scientific paper
We investigate the formation and evolution of high-order massive star multiples similar to the Trapezium in the Orion Nebula Cluster. We perform ensembles of N-body simulations of the evolution of N=1000 Orion-like clusters with initial conditions ranging from cool and clumpy to relatively smooth and relaxed. We find that trapezium-like systems are frequently formed in the first 2 Myr in initially cool and clumpy clusters and can survive for significant amounts of time in such clusters. We also find that these systems are highly dynamical entities, constantly interacting with the surrounding cluster, changing their appearance and membership regularly. The eventual decay of trapezium-like systems can even destroy the host cluster. We argue that the current state of any trapezium-like system is transient and care should be taken when analysing and drawing conclusions from a single snapshot in the life of a highly dynamic object.
Allison Richard
Goodwin Simon
No associations
LandOfFree
On the formation of trapezium-like systems 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 formation of trapezium-like systems, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and On the formation of trapezium-like systems will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-58643