Modelling Star Formation in Ophiuchus

Abstract

We perform simulations of prestellar core collapse with initial conditions inferred from observations of Ophiuchus. The cores in Ophiuchus are mostly isolated, hence we run multiple simulations of individual cores. We statistically model the intrinsic shapes of cores as a population of triaxial ellipsoids with a single free parameter which is fitted to aspect ratio data. We assume a turbulent velocity field with modifications which add ordered radial and rotational motion. Mass, size and non-thermal velocity dispersion are drawn randomly from observational data. Preliminary results show a largely realistic IMF. Future work will explore solenoidal to compressive velocity mode ratios and the effects of accretion luminosity. Results will lead to inferences on quantities such as star formation efficiency in the region.