Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2006-11-17
Mon.Not.Roy.Astron.Soc.375:604-614,2007
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
11 pages, 15 figures, accepted by MNRAS
Scientific paper
10.1111/j.1365-2966.2006.11308.x
Many Local Group dwarf spheroidal galaxies are found in the Galactic halo along great circles in the sky. Some of these stellar systems are thought to be the fragments of larger parent galaxies which have once intruded into and were torn apart by the tide of the Galaxy. Supporting evidences for tidal disruption are found in the form of stellar tidal bridges and tails along the orbits of some dwarf galaxies and globular clusters. In this study, we investigate the influence of mass-loss from star clusters or dwarf galaxies on the rate of their orbit decay due to the effect of dynamical friction. Using a series of numerical N-body simulations, we show that stars, which become unbound from their host-systems, but remain in their vicinity and share their orbits, still contribute to the mass responsible for the dynamical friction. As a rule-by-thumb, the magnitude of dynamical friction at any instance can be approximated by the bound mass plus half of the mass which has already become unbound during the proceeding Galactic orbit. Based on these results, we suggest the tidal disruption of relatively massive satellite stellar systems may be more abrupt than previously estimated.
Fellhauer Michael
Lin Douglas N. C.
No associations
LandOfFree
The Influence of Mass-Loss from a Star Cluster on its Dynamical Friction -- I. Clusters without Internal Evolution 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 The Influence of Mass-Loss from a Star Cluster on its Dynamical Friction -- I. Clusters without Internal Evolution, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The Influence of Mass-Loss from a Star Cluster on its Dynamical Friction -- I. Clusters without Internal Evolution will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-337441