On the evolution of the mass function of the galactic globular cluster system
Abstract
We describe the results of a theoretical investigation of the evolution of the mass function of the galactic globular cluster system. The effects of stellar evolution, internal relaxation, disk shocking on the evolution of individual globular clusters and of dynamical friction on their orbits have been taken into account. Different initial mass functions of the globular cluster system have been considered and a large set of initial values for the parameters of the mass functions has been investigated. We show how the shape and the parameters of the mass function evolve depending on the initial conditions and to what extent evolutionary effects, more efficient near the galactic center, can produce a difference between the mass function of clusters in the inner regions of the Galaxy and of those located in the outer regions. Estimates of the current disruption rate and of the fraction of the total initial number of clusters disrupted in one Hubble time, depending on the initial conditions chosen, are provided.
- Publication:
-
IAU Joint Discussion
- Pub Date:
- 1997
- Bibcode:
- 1997IAUJD..15E..42V