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Orbital contributions to the stability of triaxial galaxies

Journal Article · · Astrophysical Journal; (USA)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/167883· OSTI ID:5021195
;  [1]
  1. Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton, NJ (USA) Princeton Univ. Observatory, NJ (USA)
Goodman's indicator is used here to investigate the stability of perfect ellipsoids, which are prototypical nonrotating triaxial galaxy models. The contributions of the individual stellar orbits to the indicator are presented for three specific adiabatic perturbations, which change the axis ratios of the ellipsoids but leave the density profile invariant. It is found that for barlike perturbations, in which one axis is elongated and another is compressed, box orbits are predominantly destabilizing, while outer long-axis tubes are invariably stabilizing. Short-axis tubes and inner long-axis tubes may be both stabilizing and destabilizing. These results are combined with Statler's (1987) results to obtain tentative estimates of Goodman's indicator for self-consistent perfect ellipsoid models. 42 refs.
OSTI ID:
5021195
Journal Information:
Astrophysical Journal; (USA), Journal Name: Astrophysical Journal; (USA) Vol. 345; ISSN ASJOA; ISSN 0004-637X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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