Long-Term Evolution of Cores of Globular Clusters after Core Collapse

Abstract

Fluctuations play an important role in the post-collapse evolution of cores of globular clusters. We present a simple model for the long-term evolution of a globular cluster which includes a realistic treatment of stochastic binary formation. We discuss some preliminary results concerning the number of binaries, their distribution through the cluster, their rate of evolution and their effect on the evolution of the cluster. At any time after core collapse few binaries are found in or near the core; most binaries describe orbits far outside the core, being slowly pulled in by dynamical friction after being kicked out of the core through the recoil effects of a strong three-body reaction.