Dynamical modeling of elliptical galaxies. II. numerical prolate models

Journal Article · Thu Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1981 · Astrophys. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/158574· OSTI ID:6536676

Lake, G

The analytical solutions of Paper I are generalized using the self-consistent field method. These prolate models are constructed using only two integrals of motion, the energy (E) and the angular momentum about the axis of symmetry, (L/sub z/). They are the first models with flattening greater than E4 which possess elliptical isophotes and realistic density profiles. The singularity in the surface brightness which characterized the models of Paper I has been removed by smoothing the extreme suppression of L/sub z/. The new models (like those of Paper I) still show a sharp rise in the velocity dispersion at the center. This feature is due to the strongly anisotropic velocity dispersions, rather than the existence of a supermassive object.

• Research Organization: Princeton University Observatory
• OSTI ID: 6536676
• Journal Information: Astrophys. J.; (United States), Vol. 243:1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
GALAXIES
CONFIGURATION
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
BOLTZMANN EQUATION
NUMERICAL SOLUTION
POISSON EQUATION
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
EQUATIONS
PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
640105* - Astrophysics & Cosmology- Galaxies