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Dynamics of Star Clusters: Comparison of Theory with Observations and Simulations

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 August 2015

R. Wielen*
Affiliation:
Astronomisches Rechen-Institut, Heidelberg, Hamburger Sternwarte, Hamburg-Bergedorf, Germany

Abstract

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Stellar dynamical theories for collisional systems are tested by numerical N-body simulations of isolated star clusters with N up to 500. For the dynamical evolution of the density distribution in star clusters, good agreement is found between Monte Carlo results and N-body models. There remains a discrepancy between theory and simulations in the rate of stellar escape from clusters and/or in the mechanism by which escapers are produced. Simulations of non-isolated star clusters are compared with observations of open clusters. The observed age distribution of open clusters can be explained by the dynamical dissolution of clusters. Stars of low mass do not escape relatively more frequently than stars of average mass.

Type
Part I/Spherical Systems
Copyright
Copyright © Reidel 1975 

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