------------------------------------------------------------------------
 ecc_disks.tex ApJ, Jan 2008, in press
Date: Tue, 20 Nov 2007 16:04:20 +0100
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% arXiv:0711.0759
% http://www.strw.leidenuniv.nl/~rda/publications.html

\documentstyle{article}
\begin{document}
\title{Self-gravitating fragmentation of eccentric accretion disks}

\author{Richard~D.~Alexander\altaffilmark{1}, 
Mitchell~C.~Begelman\altaffilmark{2}}
\altaffiltext{1}{Leiden Observatory, Universiteit Leiden, Niels Bohrweg 
2, 2300 RA, Leiden, the Netherlands}
\altaffiltext{2}{Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences, 
University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309-0391}
\email{rda@strw.leidenuniv.nl}


%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

\begin{abstract}
We consider the effects of eccentricity on the fragmentation of 
gravitationally unstable accretion disks, using numerical 
hydrodynamics.  We find that eccentricity does not affect the overall 
stability of the disk against fragmentation, but significantly alters 
the manner in which such fragments accrete gas.  Variable tidal forces 
around an eccentric orbit slow the accretion process, and suppress the 
formation of weakly-bound clumps.  The ``stellar'' mass function  
resulting from the fragmentation of an eccentric disk is found to have 
a significantly higher characteristic mass than that from a 
corresponding circular disk.  We discuss our results in terms of the 
disk(s) of massive stars at $\simeq0.1$pc from the Galactic Center, and 
find that the fragmentation of an eccentric accretion disk, due to 
gravitational instability, is a viable mechanism for the formation of 
these systems.
\end{abstract}

\end{document}