Abstract
ABSTRACT We show that dynamical evolution in a strong (Galactic Centre-like) tidal field can create clusters that would appear to have very top-heavy initial mass functions (IMFs). The tidal disruption of single star-forming events can leave several bound ‘clusters’ spread along 20 pc of the orbit within 1–2 Myr. These surviving (sub)clusters tend to contain an overabundance of massive stars, with low-mass stars tending to be spread along the whole ‘tidal arm’. Therefore, observing a cluster in a strong tidal field with a top-heavy IMF might well not mean the stars were formed with a top-heavy IMF.
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