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Updated: Jun 17, 2026
12:11
Computation of Atmospheric Concentrations of Molecular Clusters from ab initio Thermochemistry
Published on: April 8, 2020
The physics and modes of star cluster formation: simulations
1Institute of Astronomy, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0HA, UK. cclarke@ast.cam.ac.uk
Summary
Numerical simulations reveal that star cluster formation via hierarchical mergers results in fractal distributions and mass segregation. Gas thermal properties and magnetic fields influence star formation efficiency and mean stellar mass.
Area of Science:
- Astrophysics
- Computational astrophysics
- Star formation
Background:
- Star cluster formation is a fundamental process in galactic evolution.
- Hierarchical mergers are a key mechanism in the bottom-up assembly of star clusters.
- Understanding the factors influencing star formation efficiency and stellar mass is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advancements in numerical simulations of star cluster formation.
- To elucidate the physical factors governing star formation efficiency and mean stellar mass.
- To analyze the structural properties and mass distribution of simulated star clusters.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing numerical simulations to model the hierarchical assembly of star clusters.
- Analyzing the fractal stellar distribution, asphericity, and mass segregation in young clusters.
- Investigating the influence of gas thermal properties, magnetic fields, and initial cloud conditions on star formation.
Main Results:
- Simulations predict fractal stellar distributions and significant mass segregation in young star clusters.
- Cluster asphericity is generally mild, except immediately after mergers.
- The upper initial mass function within clusters tends to be flatter than the aggregate population.
- Gas thermal properties control mean stellar mass, while magnetic fields and initial cloud boundedness affect star formation efficiency.
Conclusions:
- Hierarchical mergers lead to complex, fractal structures in forming star clusters.
- Star formation efficiency is sensitive to magnetic fields and initial cloud conditions.
- The thermal properties of gas play a critical role in determining the average stellar mass within star-forming regions.
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