Dynamics of primordial binary stars in multiple-population globular clusters

Abstract

AbstractWe have performed a survey of N-body simulations to explore the dynamics of primordial binaries in multiple-population globular clusters. We show that, as a consequence of the initial differences between the spatial distribution of first-generation (FG) and second-generation (SG) stars, SG binaries are disrupted more efficiently than FG binaries. The effects of dynamical evolution on the surviving binaries produces a difference between the SG and the FG binary binding energy distribution with the SG population characterized by a larger fraction of high binding energy (more bound) binaries. We also explore the evolution of the radial variation of the SG-to-FG binary number ratio and find that although the global binary fraction decreases more rapidly for the SG population, the local binary fraction measured in the cluster inner regions may still be dominated by SG binaries.