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Statistical mechanics of a one-dimensional self-gravitating system

Thesis/Dissertation ·
OSTI ID:5116237
A series of numerical computer experiments on a one-dimensional self-gravitating system has been conducted. It has been estimated that the thermalization time for this system to be N/sup 2/ tau c, based on oscillations in the kinetic energy covariance. The direct comparison of the time-averaged density with the ensemble-averaged density has been used to show that the relaxation time is orders of magnitude longer than their estimate. The degree of convergence is compared to the ensemble-average for systems of 4, 5, and 6 particles. The N = 6 case converges better than the N = 4 case, which we show is consistent with the Froeschle and Scheidecker (1975) interpretation of this model. A systematic exploration of the surface of sections for 3 particles is made. A dynamical interpretation of the stable and chaotic orbits is given.
Research Organization:
Texas Christian Univ., Fort Worth (USA)
OSTI ID:
5116237
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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