Mathematics – Dynamical Systems
Scientific paper
Jul 2007
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2007dda....38.1302v&link_type=abstract
American Astronomical Society, DDA meeting #38, #13.02
Mathematics
Dynamical Systems
Scientific paper
Chaotic behavior in dynamical systems with many degrees of freedom often manifests itself in models of such systems with only a few degrees of freedom. The present investigation indicates that some forms of chaotic behavior in the encounters and mergers of galaxies can be represented in terms of solutions of the tensor virial equations. The present model of a pair of interacting galaxies consists of an equation of motion governing the separation of the centers of masses of the two galaxies, systems of tensor virial equations describing the internal dynamics of the galaxies, and additional model conditions that suffice to close the system of governing equations. The virial equations are derived from the Fokker-Planck equation in order to include the effects of dynamical friction. The galaxies are represented as density distributions stratified on similar and similarly situated ellipsoids, and the stratification is required to evolve homologously. The equations of the model describe a nonlinear oscillator with only a few degrees of freedom. Chaotic behavior is exhibited in solutions of the governing equations that model head-on collisions of two galaxies.
No associations
LandOfFree
On Chaos in the Mergers of Galaxies does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with On Chaos in the Mergers of Galaxies, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and On Chaos in the Mergers of Galaxies will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1662653