Poster abstract
Tidal forces as a regulator of star formation in Taurus: a numerical study
Abstract
Taurus molecular cloud constitutes a typical example of the low-mass star forming regions, i.e., regions that form only low-mass stars at a low rate (~1%). Magnetic and turbulent support have been presented as possible mechanism for preventing a more vigorous star formation regime, as they could provide cloud support. In this context, the evaluation of the gravitational energy of clouds has usually been done
considering only the mass distribution of the cloud as a source of the gravitational potential. However, as it has been shown using semianalitical calculations, tidal forces due to the mass external to the cloud may not necessarily be negligible and can play a major role in its future disruption or collapse.
The present work tests such calculations through SPH simulations of filamentary molecular clouds embedded in the gravitational potential of the Galaxy. We find that the evolution of such molecular clouds is strongly dependent on their alignment with respect to the Galaxy center, showing that tidal forces from the Galaxy affect largely the formation of denser regions, and hence stars, within the cloud. The dynamical results from the simulations are in accordance with previous semi-analytical energy analysis.
considering only the mass distribution of the cloud as a source of the gravitational potential. However, as it has been shown using semianalitical calculations, tidal forces due to the mass external to the cloud may not necessarily be negligible and can play a major role in its future disruption or collapse.
The present work tests such calculations through SPH simulations of filamentary molecular clouds embedded in the gravitational potential of the Galaxy. We find that the evolution of such molecular clouds is strongly dependent on their alignment with respect to the Galaxy center, showing that tidal forces from the Galaxy affect largely the formation of denser regions, and hence stars, within the cloud. The dynamical results from the simulations are in accordance with previous semi-analytical energy analysis.