The role of magnetic fields in the collapse of protostellar gas cloudsThe paper presents the results of a numerical calculation of the collapse of an idealized protostellar gas cloud including the effects of a 'frozen-in' magnetic field. The 'traditional' picture of magnetic effects on gas clouds and recent observational and theoretical work on the subject are summarized. Attention is given to the method of calculation and the results are interpreted. It is found that the central magnetic field in the collapsing cloud model follows a rho to the 1/2 power relation, and the discussion implies that this is a general result which should hold true for some range of initial conditions around those chosen. In addition, it is found that the outer envelope of the cloud will be held up by tension in the field lines.
Document ID
19800047678
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Scott, E. H. (NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Black, D. C. (NASA Ames Research Center Theoretical and Planetary Studies Branch, Moffett Field, Calif., United States)