The Formation of Very Massive Stars

Abstract

In this chapter I review theoretical models for the formation of very massive stars. After a brief overview of some relevant observations, I spend the bulk of the chapter describing two possible routes to the formation of very massive stars: formation via gas accretion, and formation via collisions between smaller stars. For direct accretion, I discuss the problems of how interstellar gas may be prevented from fragmenting so that it is available for incorporation into a single very massive star, and I discuss the problems presented for massive star formation by feedback in the form of radiation pressure, photoionization, and stellar winds. For collision, I discuss several mechanisms by which stars might be induced to collide, and I discuss what sorts of environments are required to enable each of these mechanisms to function. I then compare the direct accretion and collision scenarios, and discuss possible observational signatures that could be used to distinguish between them. Finally, I come to the question of whether the process of star formation sets any upper limits on the masses of stars that can form.