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Simulation of the Evolution of Dense Stellar systems

In the simulation, the star clusters are "constructed" with a realistic initial distribution of stellar masses, positions, velocities and of binary parameters, as taken from observations. A complete program for calculating the evolution of large numbers of single stars and binaries is available, and the real evolution of all stars and binaries in the cluster will be followed [17]. With GRAPE the dynamical (gravitational) evolution of a system of a large number of point masses will be simulated. The fact that these point masses are stars becomes important only when two point masses approach each other so closely that tidal interactions become important. When this happens, a special programme (to be constructed) will be activated on the DAS cluster (see 4.2.2), which calculates the real interactions of the stars and which calculates the outcome of these interactions. This can for example be a physical collision and coalescence or a tidal "collision" of two ordinary stars, the tidal stripping of the larger star, leading to formation of a close binary, or the disruption of a binary by a passing star, etc. All these interactions will be taken into account.The aim is to combine, develop, and integrate all these (currently separate) simulation codes, which result in the combined dynamical and physical (internal) evolution of all single stars and binaries, and of all the strange products (striped stars, coalesced stars, X-binaries, etc.) resulting from this total integrated evolution.


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Next: The UvA N-body Lab Up: Technical Description Previous: Technical Description
Simon Portegies Zwart 2006-01-31