Relaxation with close encounters in stellar systems.
Abstract
Previous applications of the Kolomogorov-Feller (KF; 1940) equation to the problem of the relaxation of the velocity distribution in a star cluster are reviewed. Solutions to the KF equation are presented in which earlier shortcomings concerning encounters with a small velocity increment are corrected. Results are reported for calculations of steady-state velocity distributions, theoretical estimates of the number of stars that escape due to sudden energy gains during close encounters, and a theoretical estimate of the fraction of kinetic energy carried away by escaping stars. These results are compared with corresponding solutions to the Fokker-Planck equation.
- Publication:
-
The Astronomical Journal
- Pub Date:
- March 1979
- DOI:
- 10.1086/112432
- Bibcode:
- 1979AJ.....84..370R
- Keywords:
-
- Celestial Mechanics;
- Relaxation (Mechanics);
- Star Clusters;
- Stellar Motions;
- Stellar Systems;
- Velocity Distribution;
- Escape Velocity;
- Fokker-Planck Equation;
- Maxwell-Boltzmann Density Function;
- Astrophysics;
- Relaxation:Stellar Systems;
- Star Clusters:Velocity Distribution;
- Stellar Systems:Close Encounters