The Problem of Three Stars: Stability Limit

Details The Problem of Three Stars: Stability Limit The Problem of Three Stars: Stability Limit

May 2008

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2008iaus..246..209v&link_type=abstract

Dynamical Evolution of Dense Stellar Systems, Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union, IAU Symposium, Volume 246, p.

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astronomy

3

Stellar Dynamics, Celestial Mechanics

Scientific paper

The problem of three stars arises in many connections in stellar dynamics: three-body scattering drives the evolution of star clusters, and bound triple systems form long-lasting intermediate structures in them. Here we address the question of stability of triple stars. For a given system the stability is easy to determine by numerical orbit calculation. However, we often have only statistical knowledge of some of the parameters of the system. Then one needs a more general analytical formula. Here we start with the analytical calculation of the single encounter between a binary and a single star by Heggie (1975). Using some of the later developments we get a useful expression for the energy change per encounter as a function of the pericenter distance, masses, and relative inclination of the orbit. Then we assume that the orbital energy evolves by random walk in energy space until the accumulated energy change leads to instability. In this way we arrive at a stability limit in pericenter distance of the outer orbit for different mass combinations, outer orbit eccentricities and inclinations. The result is compared with numerical orbit calculations.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

The Problem of Three Stars: Stability Limit 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 Problem of Three Stars: Stability Limit, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The Problem of Three Stars: Stability Limit will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1601600