The Formation and Evolution of Very Massive Stars in Dense Stellar Systems

Abstract

AbstractThe early evolution of dense stellar systems is governed by massive single star and binary evolution. Core collapse of dense massive star clusters can lead to the formation of very massive objects through stellar collisions (M≥ 1000M⊙). Stellar wind mass loss determines the evolution and final fate of these objects, and determines whether they form black holes (with stellar or intermediate mass) or explode as pair instability supernovae, leaving no remnant. We present a computationally inexpensive evolutionary scheme for very massive stars that can readily be implemented in an N-body code. Using our new N-body code ‘Youngbody’ which includes a detailed treatment of massive stars as well as this new scheme for very massive stars, we discuss the formation of intermediate mass and stellar mass black holes in young starburst regions. A more detailed account of these results can be found in Belkus, Van Bever & Vanbeveren (2007).