Stochastic processes in astrophysics

STOCHASTIC PROCESSES IN ASTROPHYSICS B. Star Formation—Initial Mass Function... 

One recent development in astrophysical stochastic processes has been the widespread use of coagulation calculations for both nucleation phenomena and dust formation and processes that relate to the distribution function for masses and mass ratios in forming stellar systems. The use of the coagulation equation for the study of star and stellar system formation in particular has been quite recent and warrants a review. 

In the foregoing sections we reviewed some stochastic models for stellar formation and galactic evolution widely employed in the literature. Here, we shall discuss expUdtly a simplified astrophysical model where the stochastic processes introduced for mimicking the complexity of the relevant interactions are dealt with by recourse to the analytical tools of the previous chapters in this volume (notably Grigolini and Marchesoni, Chapter II). 

Nonlinear dynamics of complex processes is an active research field with large numbers of publications in basic research and broad applications from diverse fields of science. Nonlinear dynamics as manifested by deterministic and stochastic evolution models of complex behaviour has entered statistical physics, physical chemistry, biophysics, geophysics, astrophysics, theoretical ecology, semiconductor physics and -optics etc. This research has induced a new terminology in science connected with new questions, problems, solutions and methods. New scenarios have emerged for spatio-temporal structures in dynamical systems far from equilibrium. Their analysis and possible control are intriguing and challenging aspects of the current research. 

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