Dynamical Friction. III. A more exact theory of the rate of escape of stars from clusters

Chandrasekhar, S. (1943) Dynamical Friction. III. A more exact theory of the rate of escape of stars from clusters Astrophysical Journal, 98 . pp. 54-60. ISSN 0004-637X

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Official URL: http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1943ApJ....98...54C

Related URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1086/144544

Abstract

A more exact estimate of the rate of escape of stars from clusters is made than in an earlier paper by properly allowing for the dependence of the coefficient of dynamical friction on the velocity. It is found that the probability that a star will have acquired the necessary velocity of escape (assumed to be equal to twice the root mean square velocity of the stars in the system) in a time κ (measured in units of the time of relaxation of the system) is given by Q(κ)=(1-e-O.0075κ). On this basis, half-lives for galactic clusters of the order of 3×109 years are provided for, and it is further concluded that dynamical friction provides the principal mechanism for the continued existence of galactic clusters like the Pleiades for times of the order of 3×109 years.

Item Type:Article
Source:Copyright of this article belongs to American Astronomical Society.
ID Code:70616
Deposited On:17 Nov 2011 14:02
Last Modified:18 May 2016 16:37

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