ASTR 327 - Astrophysical Dynamics
TR 11:30-12:45
Instructor:
Chris Mihos
Office:
420 AW Smith
E-mail:
hos@burro.astr.cwru.edu
Phone:
368-3729
Message Board
Textbook(s):
Galactic Dynamics
, Binney & Tremaine
Introduction to Modern Astrophysics
, Carroll & Ostlie
Grading:
Homework: 33% (~ 5 HWs)
Project: 33%
Project Info
Final: 33%
Homework
HW #1
Due Feb 10
HW #2
Due Feb 24
HW #3
Due Mar 23
HW #4
Due Apr 7
HW #5
Due Apr 27
Syllabus
Section 1: Stellar Orbits
Potential Theory
Orbits in Static Potentials
Spherical Potentials
Axisymmetric Potentials
Triaxial Potentials
Phase Space Structure of Orbits
Section 2: Computational Dynamics
Integrating Orbits - Test Particles
Self-Consistent Techniques
Direct codes
Expansion codes
Tree codes
Generating Initial Conditions
Quality Control
Section 3: Collisionless Dynamics
Relaxation of Stellar Systems
The Collisionless Boltzmann Equation
Stellar Dynamics as a Fluid Flow
The Jeans Equations and Mass-to-Light Ratios of Galaxies
The Virial Equations
Section 4: The Dynamics of Disk Galaxies
Spiral Structure
Wave Mechanics in Disks
Disk Stability
Bar Instabilities
Section 5: Encounters of Stellar Systems
Dynamical Friction
Interactions and Mergers of Galaxies
The Impulse Approximation
Dynamical Heating of Disks
S
ection 6: Collisional Dynamics
Star Clusters: Evaporation and Ejection
Core collapse in Globular Clusters
Binaries and Central Black Holes