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Star formation regions as galactic dissipative structures

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Abstract

The theory of dissipative structures, applied to star formation systems, provides a conceptual framework for the study of the behaviour and evolution of these systems. As shown by an analysis of a model star formation process system, prolonged stationary star formation in localized areas and repetitive bursting star formation events can be understood as different behavioural modes of galactic dissipative structures. Young stellar associations with theirHII regions and molecular clouds are manifestations of the ordered distribution of matter participating in the star formation processes. A self-organization with the appearance of ordered structures is, in general, to be expected in nonequilibrium systems in which nonlinear processes occur. However, lacking a thermodynamic theory that can be applied to self-gravitating systems, the behaviour of star-forming regions can only be studied by model calculations simulating the process system within the region.

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  1. Nationaal Planetarium, Brussels, Belgium

    G. Bodifée

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Bodifée, G. Star formation regions as galactic dissipative structures. Astrophys Space Sci 122, 41–56 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00654379

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00654379

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