Feedback and Formation of Massive Star Clusters in Giant Molecular Clouds

Abstract

It is well known that the energy input from massive stars dominates the thermal and mechanical heating of typical regions in the interstellar medium of galaxies. These effects are amplified tremendously in the immediate environment of young massive star clusters, which may contain thousands of O and B stars. We present models of star cluster formation that attempt to account for the interplay between feedback and self-gravity in forming clusters, with application to systems ranging from the Orion Nebula Cluster, the Galactic Center clusters like the Arches, and super star clusters.

8 pages, invited contribution for the Cancun Workshop on Formation and Evolution of Young Massive Clusters, eds. H. J. G. L. M. Lamers, A. Nota and L. Smith