Binaries and Globular Cluster Dynamics
摘要
We summarize the results of recent theoretical work on the dynamical evolution of globular clusters containing primordial binaries. Even a very small initial binary fraction (e.g., 10%) can play a key role in supporting a cluster against gravothermal collapse for many relaxation times. Inelastic encounters between binaries and single stars or other binaries provide a very significant energy source for the cluster. These dynamical interactions also lead to the production of large numbers of exotic systems such as ultracompact X-ray binaries, recycled radio pulsars, double degenerate systems, and blue stragglers. Our work is based on a new parallel supercomputer code implementing Henon's Monte Carlo method for simulating the dynamical evolution of dense stellar systems in the Fokker-Planck approximation. This new code allows us to calculate very accurately the evolution of a cluster containing a realistic number of stars (N ~ 10^5 - 10^6) in typically a few hours to a few days of computing time. The discrete, star-by-star representation of the cluster in the simulation makes it possible to treat naturally a number of important processes, including single and binary star evolution, all dynamical interactions of single stars and binaries, and tidal interactions with the Galaxy.
引用
@article{arxiv.astro-ph/0103001,
title = {Binaries and Globular Cluster Dynamics},
author = {Frederic A. Rasio and John M. Fregeau and Kriten J. Joshi},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:astro-ph/0103001},
year = {2015}
}
备注
15 pages, to appear in `The Influence of Binaries on Stellar Population Studies', ed. D. Vanbeveren (Kluwer)