Theoretical Studies in Interstellar Astrophysics

星际天体物理学理论研究

• 批准号: 9221289
• 负责人: Christopher McKee
• 金额: $ 30.67万
• 依托单位: University of California-Berkeley
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Continuing Grant
• 财政年份: 1993
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 1993-03-01 至 1996-07-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=9221289&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: Theoretical; Studies; Interstellar; Astrophysics

The process by which interstellar gas gathers into stars is a fundamental problem in astrophysics, with implications for the formation and evolution of galaxies and the formation of the elements. The structure and evolution of molecular clouds, the sites of Galactic star formation, will be investigated by Dr. McKee. Molecular clouds are observed to be highly clumped, and calculations will determine the nature of the medium between the clumps. The early evolution of a molecular cloud, in which a largely atomic gas becomes molecular, will be calculated. The distribution of pressure in gravitationally bound clumps will be investigated. Calculations will trace the destruction of the clouds by the massive stars that form within them. Shock waves shape the mass spectrum of diffuse interstellar clouds, and powerful hydrodynamic and magnetohydrodynamic computer codes will be used to study the interaction of shocks with clouds. Shock waves can produce water masers, which are signposts of massive star formation, and the conditions under which this can occur will be evaluated. Many of the heavy elements of the interstellar medium, which are produced by stars, are locked up in tiny dust grains; the sputtering, vaporization, and shattering of these grains in interstellar shocks will be calculated.

星际气体聚集到恒星的过程是天体物理学中的一个基本问题，对星系的形成和演变和元素的形成产生了影响。 McKee博士将研究分子云的结构和演变，即银河恒星形成的位置。 观察到分子云是高度结块的，计算将确定团块之间介质的性质。 将计算分子云的早期演变，其中将计算在很大程度上原子气体变为分子。 将研究重力结合中的压力分布。 计算将通过其中形成的巨大恒星追踪云的破坏。 冲击波塑造了弥漫性星际云的质谱，将使用强大的流体动力和磁动力计算机代码来研究冲击与云的相互作用。 冲击波会产生水层，这是巨大恒星形成的路标，将评估发生这种情况的条件。 由星星产生的星际介质的许多重元素都被锁定在微小的灰尘谷物中。将计算这些晶粒在星际冲击中的溅射，蒸发和破碎。