Abstract
We study the dynamical collapse and fragmentation of low-metallicity cloud cores using three-dimensional hydrodynamical calculations, and we devote particular attention to whether or not the cores fragment in the dust-cooling phase. The cores become elongated in the dust-cooling phase because they are unstable to nonspherical perturbation due to the sudden temperature decrease. In the metallicity range of 10-6 to 10-5 Z⊙, cores with an initial axis ratio ≳2 reach a critical value of the axis ratio (≳30) and fragment into multiple small clumps. This provides a possible mechanism to produce low-mass stars in ultra-metal-poor environments.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | L61-L64 |
Journal | Astrophysical Journal |
Volume | 642 |
Issue number | 1 II |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2006 May 1 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Cosmology: Theory
- Hydrodynamics
- Instabilities
- Stars: Formation
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Space and Planetary Science