The maximum stellar mass, star-cluster formation and composite stellar populations

摘要: We demonstrate that the mass of most massive star in a cluster correlates non-trivially with mass. A simple algorithm, according to which is filled up stars are chosen randomly from standard initial function (IMF) but sorted increasing mass, yields an excellent description observational data. Algorithms based on random sampling IMF without adding ruled out confidence larger than 0.9999. physical explanation this would be forms by more-massive being consecutively added until resulting feedback energy suffices revert cloud contraction and stops further formation. This has important implications for composite populations. For example, 10 4 clusters 2 M ⊙ will not produce same as one 6 . It also supports notion integrated galaxial stellar (IGIMF) should steeper it vary formation rate galaxy.