The initial mass function and global rates of mass, momentum, and energy input to the interstellar medium via stellar winds
Abstract
Published observational data are compiled and analyzed, using theoretical stellar-evolution models to determine the global rates of mass, momentum, and energy injected into the interstellar medium (ISM) by stellar winds. Expressions derived include psi = 0.00054 x (M to the -1.03) stars formed/sq kpc yr log M (where M is the initial mass function in solar mass units) and mass-loss = (2 x 10 to the -13th) x (L to the 1.25) solar mass/yr (with L in solar luminosity units). It is found that the wind/supernova injection of energy into the ISM and the mass loss from stars of 5 solar mass or more are approximately balanced by the dissipation of energy by cloud-cloud collisions and the formation of stars, respectively.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- July 1985
- DOI:
- 10.1086/163324
- Bibcode:
- 1985ApJ...294..567V
- Keywords:
-
- Interstellar Matter;
- Star Distribution;
- Stellar Evolution;
- Stellar Mass Ejection;
- Stellar Winds;
- Energy Transfer;
- Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram;
- Mass Transfer;
- Momentum Transfer;
- Statistical Analysis;
- Stellar Luminosity;
- Stellar Mass;
- Supernovae;
- Astrophysics