Theories of the initial mass function

TL;DR

This paper reviews different theories explaining the origin of the stellar initial mass function, analyzing their assumptions, successes, and challenges to understand star formation processes.

Contribution

It provides a comparative analysis of four main models for the initial mass function, highlighting their theoretical foundations and limitations.

Findings

Identifies strengths and weaknesses of each model

Highlights the assumptions underlying each theory

Discusses the difficulties faced by current models

Abstract

We review the various theories which have been proposed along the years to explain the origin of the stellar initial mass function. We pay particular attention to four models, namely the competitive accretion and the theories based respectively on stopped accretion, MHD shocks and turbulent dispersion. In each case, we derive the main assumptions and calculations that support each theory and stress their respective successes and failures or difficulties.