Velocity Dependent Coefficient of Restitution and the Evolution of Collisional Systems

Numerical simulations of 250 mutually colliding particles, revolving in the gravitational field of a central body, indicate that velocity dependent coefficient of restitution, α = α(Ν), can lead to a many particle thick equilibrium state, independent of the initial conditions. The essential requirement for this to take place is that dα dΝ < 0, in agreement with theoretical predictions. In the case dα/dΝ > 0, the system either disperses through growing random velocities, or flattens to a near monolayer state, depending on the initial conditions.