Rapid Mass Segregation in Massive Star Clusters
Abstract
Several dynamical scenarios have been proposed that can lead to prompt mass segregation on the crossing time scale of a young cluster. They generally rely on cool and/or clumpy initial conditions, and are most relevant to small systems. As a counterpoint, we present a novel dynamical mechanism that can operate in relatively large, homogeneous, cool or cold systems. This mechanism may be important in understanding the assembly of large mass-segregated clusters from smaller clumps.
- Publication:
-
Highlights of Astronomy
- Pub Date:
- March 2015
- DOI:
- 10.1017/S1743921314005687
- Bibcode:
- 2015HiA....16..259M
- Keywords:
-
- globular clusters: general;
- galaxies: star clusters;
- stellar dynamics