Shock fragmentation model for gravitational collapse

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new gravitational collapse model where shocked gas layers fragment due to instability, explaining star and planet formation and the role of accretion in initial mass determination.

Contribution

It presents a novel theory of cloud fragmentation during collapse, emphasizing the significance of shock-induced instability and accretion in forming stars and planets.

Findings

Fragments are smaller than most stars, highlighting accretion's role.

Angular momentum does not prevent collapse.

Supports planet formation via gravitational collapse.

Abstract

A cloud of gas collapsing under gravity will fragment. We present a new theory for this process, in which layers shocked gas fragment due to their gravitational instability. Our model explains why angular momentum does not inhibit the collapse process. The theory predicts that the fragmentation process produces objects which are significantly smaller than most stars, implying that accretion onto the fragments plays an essential role in determining the initial masses of stars. This prediction is also consistent with the hypothesis that planets can be produced by gravitational collapse.