The Recurrent Nature of Central Starbursts

Abstract

New hydrodynamic models with feedback show that feedback driven turbulence and subsequent relaxation can drive recurrent starbursts, though most of these bursts fizzle due to premature, asymmetric ignition. Strong bursts are terminated when the turbulence inflates the multiphase central disk. The period between bursts is about twice a free-fall time onto the central disk. Transient spirals and bars are common through the burst cycle.