Shock fragmentation model for gravitational collapse

Wilkinson, Michael; Mehlig, Bernhard and Morgan, Michael A. (2011). Shock fragmentation model for gravitational collapse. Research in Astronomy and Astrophysics, 11(5) pp. 545–562.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1674-4527/11/5/005

Abstract

A cloud of gas collapsing under gravity will fragment. We present a new theory for this process, in which layers of shocked gas fragment due to their gravitational instability. Our model explains why angular momentum does not inhibit the collapse process. The theory predicts that the fragmentation process produces objects which are significantly smaller than most stars, implying that accretion onto the fragments plays an essential role in determining the initial masses of stars. This prediction is also consistent with the hypothesis that planets can be produced by gravitational collapse.

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About

• Item ORO ID
• 30913
• Item Type
• Journal Item
• ISSN
• 1674-4527
• Keywords
• molecular clouds; H2 clouds; dense clouds; dark clouds; interstellar dust grains; diffuse emission; infrared cirrus; star formation
• Academic Unit or School
• Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) > Mathematics and Statistics
  Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
• Copyright Holders
• © 2011 IOP Publishing Ltd
• Depositing User
• Michael Wilkinson