Joel E. Tohline

Bio: Joel E. Tohline is an academic researcher from Louisiana State University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Angular momentum & Instability. The author has an hindex of 32, co-authored 128 publications receiving 3083 citations. Previous affiliations of Joel E. Tohline include California Institute of Technology & Ames Research Center.

The origin of binary stars

Abstract: ▪ Abstract Although we have a general understanding of the manner in which individual stars form, our understanding of how binary stars form is far from complete. This is in large part due to the f...

Magnetized Neutron-Star Mergers and Gravitational-Wave Signals

Abstract: We investigate the influence of magnetic fields upon the dynamics of, and resulting gravitational waves from, a binary neutron-star merger in full general relativity coupled to ideal magnetohydrodynamics. We consider two merger scenarios: one where the stars have aligned poloidal magnetic fields and one without. Both mergers result in a strongly differentially rotating object. In comparison to the nonmagnetized scenario, the aligned magnetic fields delay the full merger of the stars. During and after merger we observe phenomena driven by the magnetic field, including Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities in shear layers, winding of the field lines, and transition from poloidal to toroidal magnetic fields. These effects not only mediate the production of electromagnetic radiation, but also can have a strong influence on the gravitational waves. Thus, there are promising prospects for studying such systems with both types of waves.

Shifted Fresnel diffraction for computational holography.

Abstract: Fourier-based approaches to calculate the Fresnel diffraction of light provide one of the most efficient algorithms for holographic computations because this permits the use of the fast Fourier transform (FFT). This research overcomes the limitations on sampling imposed by Fourier-based algorithms by the development of a fast shifted Fresnel transform. This fast shifted Fresnel transform is used to develop a tiling approach to hologram construction and reconstruction, which computes the Fresnel propagation of light between parallel planes having different resolutions.

A Compact Cylindrical Green’s Function Expansion for the Solution of Potential Problems

Abstract: We show that an exact expression for the Green's function in cylindrical coordinates is where χ ≡ [R2 + R + (z - z')2]/(2RR'), and Qm-1/2 is the half-integer degree Legendre function of the second kind. This expression is significantly more compact and easier to evaluate numerically than the more familiar cylindrical Green's function expression, which involves infinite integrals over products of Bessel functions and exponentials. It also contains far fewer terms in its series expansion—and is therefore more amenable to accurate evaluation—than does the familiar expression for |-'|-1 that is given in terms of spherical harmonics. This compact Green's function expression is well suited for the solution of potential problems in a wide variety of astrophysical contexts because it adapts readily to extremely flattened (or extremely elongated), isolated mass distributions.

Dynamic fission instabilities in rapidly rotating n=3/2 polytropes: a comparison of results from finite-difference and smoothed particle hydrodynamics codes

Abstract: The effectiveness of three different hydrodynamics models is evaluated for the analysis of the effects of fission instabilities in rapidly rotating, equilibrium flows. The instabilities arise in nonaxisymmetric Kelvin modes as rotational energy in the flow increases, which may occur in the formation of close binary stars and planets when the fluid proto-object contracts quasi-isostatically. Two finite-difference, donor-cell methods and a smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) code are examined, using a polytropic index of 3/2 and ratios of total rotational kinetic energy to gravitational energy of 0.33 and 0.38. The models show that dynamic bar instabilities with the 3/2 polytropic index do not yield detached binaries and multiple systems. Ejected mass and angular momentum form two trailing spiral arms that become a disk or ring around the central remnant. The SPH code yields the same data as the finite difference codes but with less computational effort and without acceptable fluid constraints in low density regions. Methods for improving both types of codes are discussed. 68 references.

The evolution and explosion of massive stars

Abstract: amount of energy, a tiny fraction of which is sufficient to explode the star as a supernova. The authors examine our current understanding of the lives and deaths of massive stars, with special attention to the relevant nuclear and stellar physics. Emphasis is placed upon their post-helium-burning evolution. Current views regarding the supernova explosion mechanism are reviewed, and the hydrodynamics of supernova shock propagation and ‘‘fallback’’ is discussed. The calculated neutron star masses, supernova light curves, and spectra from these model stars are shown to be consistent with observations. During all phases, particular attention is paid to the nucleosynthesis of heavy elements. Such stars are capable of producing, with few exceptions, the isotopes between mass 16 and 88 as well as a large fraction of still heavier elements made by the r and p processes.

Hierarchical galaxy formation

Abstract: We describe the GALFORM semi-analytic model for calculating the formation and evolution of galaxies in hierarchical clustering cosmologies. It improves upon, and extends, the earlier scheme developed by Cole et al. (1994). The model employs a new Monte-Carlo algorithm to follow the merging evolution of dark matter halos with arbitrary mass resolution. It incorporates realistic descriptions of the density profiles of dark matter halos and the gas they contain; it follows the chemical evolution of gas and stars, and the associated production of dust; and it includes a detailed calculation of the sizes of disks and spheroids. Wherever possible, our prescriptions for modelling individual physical processes are based on results of numerical simulations. They require a number of adjustable parameters which we fix by reference to a small subset of local galaxy data. This results in a fully specified model of galaxy formation which can be �

Control of star formation by supersonic turbulence

Abstract: Understanding the formation of stars in galaxies is central to much of modern astrophysics. However, a quantitative prediction of the star formation rate and the initial distribution of stellar masses remains elusive. For several decades it has been thought that the star formation process is primarily controlled by the interplay between gravity and magnetostatic support, modulated by neutral-ion drift (known as ambipolar diffusion in astrophysics). Recently, however, both observational and numerical work has begun to suggest that supersonic turbulent flows rather than static magnetic fields control star formation. To some extent, this represents a return to ideas popular before the importance of magnetic fields to the interstellar gas was fully appreciated. This review gives a historical overview of the successes and problems of both the classical dynamical theory and the standard theory of magnetostatic support, from both observational and theoretical perspectives. The outline of a new theory relying on control by driven supersonic turbulence is then presented. Numerical models demonstrate that, although supersonic turbulence can provide global support, it nevertheless produces density enhancements that allow local collapse. Inefficient, isolated star formation is a hallmark of turbulent support, while efficient, clustered star formation occurs in its absence. The consequences of this theory are then explored for both local star formation and galactic-scale star formation. It suggests that individual star-forming cores are likely not quasistatic objects, but dynamically collapsing. Accretion onto these objects varies depending on the properties of the surrounding turbulent flow; numerical models agree with observations showing decreasing rates. The initial mass distribution of stars may also be determined by the turbulent flow. Molecular clouds appear to be transient objects forming and dissolving in the larger-scale turbulent flow, or else quickly collapsing into regions of violent star formation. Global star formation in galaxies appears to be controlled by the same balance between gravity and turbulence as small-scale star formation, although modulated by cooling and differential rotation. The dominant driving mechanism in star-forming regions of galaxies appears to be supernovae, while elsewhere coupling of rotation to the gas through magnetic fields or gravity may be important.

Quasinormal modes of black holes and black branes

Abstract: Quasinormal modes are eigenmodes of dissipative systems. Perturbations of classical gravitational backgrounds involving black holes or branes naturally lead to quasinormal modes. The analysis and classification of the quasinormal spectra require solving non-Hermitian eigenvalue problems for the associated linear differential equations. Within the recently developed gauge-gravity duality, these modes serve as an important tool for determining the near-equilibrium properties of strongly coupled quantum field theories, in particular their transport coefficients, such as viscosity, conductivity and diffusion constants. In astrophysics, the detection of quasinormal modes in gravitational wave experiments would allow precise measurements of the mass and spin of black holes as well as new tests of general relativity. This review is meant as an introduction to the subject, with a focus on the recent developments in the field.

An Introduction to the Study of Stellar Structure

Abstract: EDDINGTON'S “Internal Constitution of the Stars” was published in 1926 and gives what now ranks as a classical account of his own researches and of the general state of the theory at that time. Since then, a tremendous amount of work has appeared. Much of it has to do with the construction of stellar models with different equations of state applying in different zones. Other parts deal with the effects of varying chemical composition, with pulsation and tidal and rotational distortion of stars, and with the precise relations between the interior and the atmosphere of a star. The striking feature of all this work is that so much can be done without assuming any particular mechanism of stellar energy-generation. Only such very comprehensive assumptions are made about the distribution and behaviour of the energy sources that we may expect future knowledge of their mechanism to lead mainly to more detailed results within the framework of the existing general theory. An Introduction to the Study of Stellar Structure By S. Chandrasekhar. (Astrophysical Monographs sponsored by The Astrophysical Journal.) Pp. ix+509. (Chicago: University of Chicago Press; London: Cambridge University Press, 1939.) 50s. net.