Fokker-Planck calculations of star clusters with primordial binaries

Journal Article · Mon Apr 01 00:00:00 EST 1991 · Astrophysical Journal; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/169843· OSTI ID:5732789

Gao, B; Goodman, J; Cohn, H; Murphy, B ^[1]

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1. Princeton Univ. Observatory, NJ (USA) Indiana Univ., Bloomington (USA) Utrecht Rijksuniversiteit (Netherlands)

The importance of primordial binaries for the dynamical evolution of isolated star clusters is studied, emphasizing developments after core collapse. Fokker-Planck methods are used to represent the distribution of binary and single-star translational energies accurately and with the minimum of numerical noise while the central density of the cluster varies over several orders of magnitude. Mass stratification and modest core contraction occur first, followed by a period during which the core radius is nearly constant, and then by gravothermal oscillations. Even a large initial binary population cannot prevent initial contraction of the core radius with respect to the half-mass radius if the initial model has low concentration. On the other hand primordial binaries can support the core against further collapse for many half-mass relaxation times. 69 refs.

• OSTI ID: 5732789
• Journal Information: Astrophysical Journal; (USA), Vol. 370; ISSN 0004-637X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
STAR CLUSTERS
STAR EVOLUTION
ASTROPHYSICS
BINARY STARS
COMPUTER CODES
FOKKER-PLANCK EQUATION
GRAVITATIONAL COLLAPSE
MASS
MOTION
STAR MODELS
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
EQUATIONS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
STARS
640102* - Astrophysics & Cosmology- Stars & Quasi-Stellar
Radio & X-Ray Sources