| Abstract |
Dramatic algorithmic breakthroughs over the last ten years enabled ab initio
calculations of many questions in cosmological structure formation. Very
complex problems can be addressed using these numerical techniques.
This talk will highlight new insights gained from such supercomputer
calculations into how stars form in our Galaxy and why molecular
clouds are long lived. The calculations demonstrate that proto-stellar
outflows regulate star formation on small scales, and drive turbulence
at scales much larger than their injection scales. These results
suggest an outflow regulated core fed model of massive star formation
which is differs markedly from both the turbulent core and the
competitive accretion scenarios discussed previously.
A more detailed understanding of star formation over cosmic time is
likely to dramatically improve the accuracy of our predictions for the
physical properties of very first galaxies and the high redshift
Universe in general.
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