Pillars, Jets and Dynamical Features

Abstract

Abstract. We present high resolution simulations on the impact of ionizing radiation on turbulent molecular clouds. The combination of hydrodynamics, gravitational forces and ionization in the tree-SPH code iVINE naturally leads to the formation of elongated filaments and clumps, which are in excellent agreement with the pillars observed around HII regions. Including gravity the formation of a second generation of low-mass stars with surrounding protostellar disks is triggered at the tips of the pillars, as also observed. A parameter study allows us to determine the physical conditions under which irregular structures form and whether they resemble large pillars or a system of small, isolated globules.

Ionization-induced star formation - III. Effects of external triggering on the initial mass function in clusters

“…Most systems where triggered star formation has been reported have the complex morphologies expected from the interaction of radiation with a turbulent or inhomogeneous ISM. This problem was first addressed by Elmegreen et al (1995) and has been studied more recently by , and Gritschneder et al (2010). Systems of this nature are extremely complicated and thus difficult to interpret observationally.…”