Star formation and dynamics in starburst nuclei

Abstract

A simple model is presented for gas inflow through a disk galaxy driven by interacting galaxies through the action of a non-axisymmetric disturbance acting on the disk whose gas is modelled as an ensemble of gas clouds. Cloud collisions, as well as being a vital process in forcing gas inflow to the center of the disk, are also assumed to generate massive stars. This ever increasing rate of gas flow toward the center of the galaxy and the associated rapid increase in cloud collisions lead to a centrally concentrated starburst. Starbursts have important consequences for the immediate environment of galaxies. Mildly collimated outflows can be driven by a combination of multiple supernovae and OB star winds. Jets associated with activity in the galactic nucleus can interact strongly with a starburst environment.