Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2008-06-18
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
14 pages, 14 figures, Accepted for publication in MNRAS
Scientific paper
10.1111/j.1365-2966.2008.13592.x
We study a series of $N-$body simulations representing elliptical galaxies with central masses. Starting from two different systems with smooth centres, which have initially a triaxial configuration and are in equilibrium, we insert to them central masses of various values. Immediately after such an insertion a system presents a high fraction of particles moving in chaotic orbits, a fact causing a secular evolution towards a new equilibrium state. The chaotic orbits responsible for the secular evolution are identified. Their typical Lypaunov exponents are found to scale with the central mass as a power law $L\propto m^s$ with $s$ close to 1/2. The requirements for an effective secular evolution within a Hubble time are examined. These requirements are quantified by introducing a quantity called \emph{effective chaotic momentum} $\mathscr{L}$. This quantity is found to correlate well with the rate of the systems' secular evolution. In particular, we find that when $\mathscr{L}$ falls below a threshold value (0.004 in our $N-$body units) a system does no longer exhibit significant secular evolution.
No associations
LandOfFree
The rate of secular evolution in elliptical galaxies with central masses 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 rate of secular evolution in elliptical galaxies with central masses, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The rate of secular evolution in elliptical galaxies with central masses will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-272789