scholarly journals Effects of initial density profiles on massive star cluster formation in giant molecular clouds

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yingtian Chen ◽  
Hui Li ◽  
Mark Vogelsberger
Keyword(s):  
Angular Momentum ◽  
Star Formation ◽  
Molecular Clouds ◽  
Globular Clusters ◽  
Cluster Formation ◽  
Initial Density ◽  
Giant Molecular Clouds ◽  
Density Profiles ◽  
Stellar Feedback ◽  
Gas Accretion

Abstract We perform a suite of hydrodynamic simulations to investigate how initial density profiles of giant molecular clouds (GMCs) affect their subsequent evolution. We find that the star formation duration and integrated star formation efficiency of the whole clouds are not sensitive to the choice of different profiles but are mainly controlled by the interplay between gravitational collapse and stellar feedback. Despite this similarity, GMCs with different profiles show dramatically different modes of star formation. For shallower profiles, GMCs first fragment into many self-gravitation cores and form sub-clusters that distributed throughout the entire clouds. These sub-clusters are later assembled ‘hierarchically’ to central clusters. In contrast, for steeper profiles, a massive cluster is quickly formed at the center of the cloud and then gradually grows its mass via gas accretion. Consequently, central clusters that emerged from clouds with shallower profiles are less massive and show less rotation than those with the steeper profiles. This is because 1) a significant fraction of mass and angular momentum in shallower profiles is stored in the orbital motion of the sub-clusters that are not able to merge into the central clusters 2) frequent hierarchical mergers in the shallower profiles lead to further losses of mass and angular momentum via violent relaxation and tidal disruption. Encouragingly, the degree of cluster rotations in steeper profiles is consistent with recent observations of young and intermediate-age clusters. We speculate that rotating globular clusters are likely formed via an ‘accretion’ mode from centrally-concentrated clouds in the early Universe.

scholarly journals Disruption of giant molecular clouds and formation of bound star clusters under the influence of momentum stellar feedback

2019 ◽  
Vol 487 (1) ◽  
pp. 364-380 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui Li ◽  
Mark Vogelsberger ◽  
Federico Marinacci ◽  
Oleg Y Gnedin
Keyword(s):  
Star Formation ◽  
Molecular Clouds ◽  
Star Clusters ◽  
Giant Molecular Clouds ◽  
Density Profiles ◽  
Stellar Feedback ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Gas Removal ◽  
Formation Efficiency ◽  
Stellar Density

Abstract Energetic feedback from star clusters plays a pivotal role in shaping the dynamical evolution of giant molecular clouds (GMCs). To study the effects of stellar feedback on the star formation efficiency of the clouds and the dynamical response of embedded star clusters, we perform a suite of isolated GMC simulations with star formation and momentum feedback subgrid models using the moving-mesh hydrodynamics code Arepo. The properties of our simulated GMCs span a wide range of initial mass, radius, and velocity configurations. We find that the ratio of the final stellar mass to the total cloud mass, ϵint, scales strongly with the initial cloud surface density and momentum feedback strength. This correlation is explained by an analytic model that considers force balancing between gravity and momentum feedback. For all simulated GMCs, the stellar density profiles are systematically steeper than that of the gas at the epochs of the peaks of star formation, suggesting a centrally concentrated stellar distribution. We also find that star clusters are always in a sub-virial state with a virial parameter ∼0.6 prior to gas expulsion. Both the sub-virial dynamical state and steeper stellar density profiles prevent clusters from dispersal during the gas removal phase of their evolution. The final cluster bound fraction is a continuously increasing function of ϵint. GMCs with star formation efficiency smaller than 0.5 are still able to form clusters with large bound fractions.

scholarly journals Modeling Formation of Globular Clusters: Beacons of Galactic Star Formation

2010 ◽  
Vol 6 (S270) ◽  
pp. 381-384
Author(s):  
Oleg Y. Gnedin
Keyword(s):  
Star Formation ◽  
Galaxy Formation ◽  
Globular Cluster ◽  
Globular Clusters ◽  
Cluster Formation ◽  
Star Clusters ◽  
Mass Function ◽  
Giant Molecular Clouds ◽  
Early Galaxies ◽  
The Masses

AbstractModern hydrodynamic simulations of galaxy formation are able to predict accurately the rates and locations of the assembly of giant molecular clouds in early galaxies. These clouds could host star clusters with the masses and sizes of real globular clusters. I describe current state-of-the-art simulations aimed at understanding the origin of the cluster mass function and metallicity distribution. Metallicity bimodality of globular cluster systems appears to be a natural outcome of hierarchical formation and gradually declining fraction of cold gas in galaxies. Globular cluster formation was most prominent at redshifts z > 3, when massive star clusters may have contributed as much as 20% of all galactic star formation.

scholarly journals Molecular Clouds: Internal Properties, Turbulence, Star Formation and Feedback

2012 ◽  
Vol 8 (S292) ◽  
pp. 19-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan C. Tan ◽  
Suzanne N. Shaske ◽  
Sven Van Loo
Keyword(s):  
Star Formation ◽  
Molecular Clouds ◽  
Cluster Formation ◽  
Dynamical Evolution ◽  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Giant Molecular Clouds ◽  
Star Forming ◽  
Cloud Dynamics ◽  
Star Formation Activity ◽  
Internal Properties

AbstractAll stars are born in molecular clouds, and most in giant molecular clouds (GMCs), which thus set the star formation activity of galaxies. We first review their observed properties, including measures of mass surface density, Σ, and thus mass,M. We discuss cloud dynamics, concluding most GMCs are gravitationally bound. Star formation is highly clustered within GMCs, but overall is very inefficient. We compare properties of star-forming clumps with those of young stellar clusters (YSCs). The high central densities of YSCs may result via dynamical evolution of already-formed stars during and after star cluster formation. We discuss theoretical models of GMC evolution, especially addressing how turbulence is maintained, and emphasizing the importance of GMC collisions. We describe how feedback limits total star formation efficiency, ε, in clumps. A turbulent and clumpy medium allows higher ε, permitting formation of bound clusters even when escape speeds are less than the ionized gas sound speed.

scholarly journals The Role of Magnetic Fields in Star Formation

2013 ◽  
Vol 9 (S302) ◽  
pp. 10-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ralph E. Pudritz ◽  
Mikhail Klassen ◽  
Helen Kirk ◽  
Daniel Seifried ◽  
Robi Banerjee
Keyword(s):  
Angular Momentum ◽  
Star Formation ◽  
Magnetic Fields ◽  
Molecular Clouds ◽  
Star Clusters ◽  
Young Stars ◽  
Giant Molecular Clouds ◽  
Jets And Outflows ◽  
Radiation Fields

AbstractStars are born in turbulent, magnetized filamentary molecular clouds, typically as members of star clusters. Several remarkable technical advances enable observations of magnetic structure and field strengths across many physical scales, from galactic scales on which giant molecular clouds (GMCs) are assembled, down to the surfaces of magnetized accreting young stars. These are shedding new light on the role of magnetic fields in star formation. Magnetic fields affect the gravitational fragmentation and formation of filamentary molecular clouds, the formation and fragmentation of magnetized disks, and finally to the shedding of excess angular momentum in jets and outflows from both the disks and young stars. Magnetic fields play a particularly important role in angular momentum transport on all of these scales. Numerical simulations have provided an important tool for tracking the complex process of the collapse and evolution of protostellar gas since several competing physical processes are at play - turbulence, gravity, MHD, and radiation fields. This paper focuses on the role of magnetic fields in three crucial regimes of star formation: the formation of star clusters emphasizing fragmentation, disk formation and the origin of early jets and outflows, to processes that control the spin evolution of young stars.

scholarly journals Giant Molecular Clouds and Cluster Formation

2002 ◽  
Vol 207 ◽  
pp. 499-504
Author(s):  
Mónica Rubio
Keyword(s):  
Star Formation ◽  
Molecular Cloud ◽  
Molecular Clouds ◽  
Cluster Formation ◽  
Present Knowledge ◽  
Magellanic Clouds ◽  
Giant Molecular Clouds ◽  
Cloud Properties

We will review the present knowledge of molecular cloud properties and its relation to star formation. We will discuss the evidence for cluster formation associated with giant molecular clouds, and will concentrate on recent results in our Galaxy and the Magellanic Clouds.

scholarly journals On the nature of variations in the measured star formation efficiency of molecular clouds

2019 ◽  
Vol 488 (2) ◽  
pp. 1501-1518 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Y Grudić ◽  
Philip F Hopkins ◽  
Eve J Lee ◽  
Norman Murray ◽  
Claude-André Faucher-Giguère ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Star Formation ◽  
Molecular Clouds ◽  
Main Sequence ◽  
Giant Molecular Clouds ◽  
Main Sequence Stars ◽  
Stellar Feedback ◽  
Magnetohydrodynamic Simulations ◽  
Formation Efficiency ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Very High

Abstract Measurements of the star formation efficiency (SFE) of giant molecular clouds (GMCs) in the Milky Way generally show a large scatter, which could be intrinsic or observational. We use magnetohydrodynamic simulations of GMCs (including feedback) to forward-model the relationship between the true GMC SFE and observational proxies. We show that individual GMCs trace broad ranges of observed SFE throughout collapse, star formation, and disruption. Low measured SFEs (${\ll} 1\hbox{ per cent}$) are ‘real’ but correspond to early stages; the true ‘per-freefall’ SFE where most stars actually form can be much larger. Very high (${\gg} 10\hbox{ per cent}$) values are often artificially enhanced by rapid gas dispersal. Simulations including stellar feedback reproduce observed GMC-scale SFEs, but simulations without feedback produce 20× larger SFEs. Radiative feedback dominates among mechanisms simulated. An anticorrelation of SFE with cloud mass is shown to be an observational artefact. We also explore individual dense ‘clumps’ within GMCs and show that (with feedback) their bulk properties agree well with observations. Predicted SFEs within the dense clumps are ∼2× larger than observed, possibly indicating physics other than feedback from massive (main-sequence) stars is needed to regulate their collapse.

scholarly journals Star formation in galaxies: the role of spiral arms

2013 ◽  
Vol 9 (S298) ◽  
pp. 221-227 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clare L. Dobbs
Keyword(s):  
Star Formation ◽  
Molecular Clouds ◽  
Spiral Structure ◽  
Age Distribution ◽  
Giant Molecular Clouds ◽  
Spiral Arms ◽  
Stellar Feedback ◽  
Main Driver ◽  
Star Formation In Galaxies ◽  
Age Patterns

AbstractStudying star formation in spiral arms tells us not only about the evolution of star formation, and molecular clouds, but can also tell us about the nature of spiral structure in galaxies. I will address both these topics using the results of recent simulations and observations. Galactic scale simulations are beginning to examine in detail the evolution of Giant Molecular Clouds (GMC) as they form in spiral arms, and then disperse by stellar feedback or shear. The overall timescale for this process appears comparable to the crossing time of the GMCs, a few Myrs for 105 M⊙ clouds, 20 Myr or so for more massive GMCs. Both simulations and observations show that the massive clouds are found in the spiral arms, likely as a result of cloud-cloud collisions. Simulations including stars should also tell us about the stellar age distribution in GMCs, and across spiral arms. More generally, recent work on spiral galaxies suggests that the dynamics of gas flows in spiral arms are different in longlived and transient spiral arms, resulting in different age patterns in the stars. Such results could be used to help establish the main driver of spiral structure in the Milky Way (Toomre instabilities, the bar, or nearby companion galaxies) in conjunction with future surveys.

scholarly journals Simulations of Massive Star Cluster Formation and Feedback in Turbulent Giant Molecular Clouds

2010 ◽  
Vol 6 (S270) ◽  
pp. 235-238 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Harper-Clark ◽  
Norman Murray
Keyword(s):  
Star Formation ◽  
Molecular Clouds ◽  
Massive Star ◽  
Cluster Formation ◽  
Star Clusters ◽  
Star Cluster ◽  
Giant Molecular Clouds

AbstractUsing the AMR code ENZO we are simulating the formation of massive star clusters within turbulent Giant Molecular Clouds (GMCs). Here we discuss the simulations from the first stages of building realistic turbulent GMCs, to accurate star formation, and ultimately comprehensive feedback. These simulations aim to build a better understanding of how stars affect GMCs, helping to answer the questions of how long GMCs live and why only a small fraction of the GMC gas becomes stars.

scholarly journals Giant molecular clouds and star formation in the Large Magellanic Cloud

2006 ◽  
Vol 2 (S237) ◽  
pp. 101-105
Author(s):  
A. Kawamura ◽  
T. Minamidani ◽  
Y. Mizuno ◽  
T. Onishi ◽  
N. Mizuno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Star Formation ◽  
Molecular Clouds ◽  
Cluster Formation ◽  
Large Magellanic Cloud ◽  
Magellanic Cloud ◽  
Stellar Clusters ◽  
Giant Molecular Clouds ◽  
Surface Mass ◽  
Complete Survey ◽  
Physical Quantities

AbstractIn order to elucidate star formation in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a complete survey of the molecular clouds was carried out by NANTEN. In this work, we compare 230 giant molecular clouds (GMCs), whose physical quantities are well determined, with young clusters and Hii regions. We find that about 76% of the GMCs are actively forming stars or clusters, while 24% show no signs of massive star or cluster formation. Effects of supergiant shells (SGSs) on the formation of GMCs and stars are also studied. The number and surface mass densities of the GMCs are higher by a factor of 1.5–2 at the edge of the SGSs than elsewhere. It is also found that young stellar clusters are more actively formed in the GMCs facing to the center of the SGSs. These results are consistent with the previous studies by Yamaguchi et al. and suggest the formation of GMCs and the cluster is triggered by dynamical effects of the SGSs.

scholarly journals An observational study of GMCs in the Magellanic Clouds with the ASTE telescope

2008 ◽  
Vol 4 (S256) ◽  
pp. 256-260
Author(s):  
Tetsuhiro Minamidani ◽  
Norikazu Mizuno ◽  
Yoji Mizuno ◽  
Akiko Kawamura ◽  
Toshikazu Onishi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Star Formation ◽  
Observational Study ◽  
Physical Properties ◽  
Molecular Clouds ◽  
Cluster Formation ◽  
Large Magellanic Cloud ◽  
Magellanic Clouds ◽  
Molecular Gas ◽  
Giant Molecular Clouds ◽  
Evolutionary Sequence

AbstractWe report the results of the submillimeter observations with the ASTE 10 m telescope toward the giant molecular clouds (GMCs) in the Magellanic Clouds to reveal the physical properties of dense molecular gas, the principle sites of star and cluster formation. Six GMCs in the Large Magellanic Cloud have been mapped in the 12CO(J = 3 − 2) transition and 32 clumps are identified in these GMCs at a resolution of 5 pc. These data are combined with 12CO(J = 1 − 0) and 13CO(J = 1 − 0) results and compared with LVG calculations to derive the density and temperature of clumps. The derived density and temperature are distributed in wide ranges. We have made small mapping observations in the 13CO(J = 3 − 2) transition toward 9 representative peak positions of clumps to determine the density and temperature of clumps. These physical properties are constrained well and there are differences in density and temperature among clumps. We suggest that these differences of clump properties represent an evolutionary sequence of GMCs in terms of density increase leading to star formation.

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