Turkish Journal of Physics
DOI
-
Abstract
In this paper we systematically investigate the length and time scales of an interstellar molecular cloud for collapse under the influence of self--gravity, magnetic field and Coriolis forces. We used Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equations in linearized form in order to explore the dynamical evolution of perturbations. We found that both the Lorentz force and the Coriolis force support the cloud against self contraction, i.e., they introduce stabilizing effect against gravitational instability. Of the two cloud types with the same physical size, only those threaded by an interstellar magnetic field without rotation or those rotating without magnetic field will survive against gravitational collapse.
Keywords
Magnetohydrodynamics, interstellar clouds, self--gravity, Lorentz force, Coriolis force.
First Page
289
Last Page
298
Recommended Citation
PEKÜNLÜ, E. RENNAN; TIĞRAK, ESRA; and ZENGİN, DİCLE (2002) "Collapse of Interstellar Molecular Clouds," Turkish Journal of Physics: Vol. 26: No. 4, Article 7. Available at: https://journals.tubitak.gov.tr/physics/vol26/iss4/7
