Applied Physics

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Applied Physics

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Spatially Varying Stellar Opacity Model
(IOP Science, 2017-04) Nyambuya, G. G.
Using Larson (1982)’s empirical law as a solid foundational basis for our central thesis – for a plausible solution to the radiation problem of massive star formation, we argue in favour of a spatially varying dust-and-gas opacity. This spatially varying dust- and-gas opacity allows us to present – what appears to us, as – a perdurable solution to the long-standing riddle of massive star formation and the radiation barrier problem. In the proposed solution, massive stars form in the gravitationally bound dense dust-and-gas centres of massive molecular clouds via monolithic core accretion where the radiation problem is non-existent. Influenced by the radial mass profile, the opacity increases systematically from the stellar right up to the molecular cloud (core) surface. The opacity at the stellar surface is unbelievably ultra-low (∼ 10−12 kg−1m2) so much that, the radiation field should not be an impediment to accretion of any form – be it via direct radial in-fall of matter onto the nascent star or accretion through the disk. Ultimately, this model favours massive star formation via a scaled-up version of low mass star formation.