Collapse of Molecular Clouds Leading to Star Formation

Abstract

Models of molecular cloud cores have been proposed by Frank Shu (Tsing-Hua U.) and Zhi-Yun Li (UVa). These models have been used as initial states for magnetohydrodynamic collapse calculations to study the dynamics of the early stages of star formation. As with the unmagnetized, singular isothermal sphere, constant central accretion rates are found for magnetized toroids. When rotation is present, low-velocity outflows are seen, transporting angular momentum away from the forming protostar into the ambient cloud.

Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics