Kinetic Energy Decay Rates of Supersonic and Super-Alfv\'enic Turbulence in Star-Forming Clouds
M. M. Mac Low, R. S. Klessen, A. Burkert, M. D. Smith;
PhRvL, 1998, 80, 2754
ABSTRACT:We compute 3D models of supersonic, sub-Alfvénic, and super-Alfvénic decaying turbulence, with an isothermal equation of state
appropriate for star-forming interstellar clouds of molecular gas.
We find that
in 3D the kinetic energy decays as t-η, with
0.85<η<1.2.
In 1D magnetized turbulence actually decays faster than unmagnetized
turbulence.
We compared different algorithms, and performed resolution studies
reaching 2563 zones or 703 particles.
External
driving must produce the observed long lifetimes and supersonic motions in
molecular clouds, as undriven turbulence decays too fast.
PERSOKEY:turbulence, ,
CODE: mac_low98