Evolution of the star formation rate in galaxies with increasing densities

Abstract

Some bursts of star formation are thought to be associated with situations in which a galaxy's density is increasing. Examples include protogalaxy collapse, mergers, inflow of gas into a galactic nucleus, or accretion of intergalactic gas. We have examined the evolution of the star formation rate (SFR) and other properties of galaxies with increasing density using one-zone cloud fluid equations describing an extension of the Oort cycle, for which the equilibrium state would give an SFR which increases monotonically with density. However, the calculations show that the energy input associated with the density increase generally dominates the evolution, and forces the system far from its normal equilibrium to a state in which cloud collisions are disruptive rather than coalescent. The calculations predict that starbursts associated with collapse, accretion, or inflow events should be preceded by a long incubation period with a very small SFR. For example, the initial star formation burst in a protogalaxy may be delayed for several billion years until nearly all the infalling material has been accreted onto the growing central object.