Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around understanding the differences and potential complementarity between the Jeans law and the Bonnor-Ebert model in the context of the collapse and fragmentation of molecular clouds. Participants explore theoretical aspects, mathematical reasoning, and the implications of these models on star formation processes.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Conceptual clarification
- Debate/contested
- Mathematical reasoning
Main Points Raised
- Some participants propose that the Jeans law and Bonnor-Ebert model are complementary, addressing self-gravitation from different perspectives.
- One participant notes that the Jeans law considers sound dispersion in a homogeneous medium, while the Bonnor-Ebert model accounts for a sphere in equilibrium with a reservoir.
- There is a suggestion that the Bonnor-Ebert model provides a more accurate critical mass or pressure but does not describe fragmentation directly.
- Another participant highlights that both models assume hydrostatic equilibrium, raising questions about their applicability in the presence of turbulence.
- Fragmentation is discussed as being associated with turbulence, which may lead to the formation of multiple stars rather than a single high-mass star.
- A participant shares their attempt to apply the models to an imaginary molecular cloud, detailing their calculations and seeking clarification on their logic regarding Jeans mass and density after collapse.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express varying views on the complementarity of the models and their assumptions, with no consensus reached on the implications of turbulence or the specific outcomes of applying the models to molecular clouds.
Contextual Notes
Some limitations are noted, such as the dependence on assumptions regarding equilibrium and the complexity introduced by turbulence, which is not fully addressed by static models.