Dynamical simulation of gravothermal catastrophe.

Abstract

We investigate the dynamical evolution of gravothermal catastrophe in a model of a spherical cluster where, besides the energy and angular momentum, an additional integral of motion is also taken into account. Using dynamical simulation, we study a system of concentric, rotating, spherical shells employing a precise, event-driven, algorithm that permits the controlled exchange of internal angular momentum. Initially the system starts to relax to a locally stable state that is in good agreement with mean field predictions. This is followed by core collapse with the development of a core-halo structure and gravothermal oscillation.