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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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NASA NTRS1996

Unstable Box Orbits in Cuspy Elliptical Galaxies

The aim of this work is to gain physical insight into the role played by a concentrated central mass in affecting the shape of elliptical galaxies, by examining its effect on the stability of box orbits which are the backbone of triaxial elliptical galaxies. Ample observational evidence is now available for the existence of a central mass concentration or central cusps in galaxies. The central mass is expected to cause orbital stochasticity and chaotic mixing of orbits, which could have ramifications on galactic evolution. We investigate here the interplay between potential cuspiness and eccentricity on the stability of axial orbits in a scale-free potential in a simple, preliminary attempt to characterize this effect.

galaxies central mass concentration box orbits↗

NASA NTRS1989

The effect of galaxy triaxiality on globular clusters

Evidence of triaxiality and central mass concentration in the Galaxy and in M31 and M87 is examined. It is proposed that globular clusters on box orbits in the inner parts of these systems pass close enough to the center to be destroyed by tidal shocks. Remaining clusters will preferentially populate tube orbits with relatively high angular momentum. The process is used to explain the cluster distribution in M87 reported by Lauer and Kormendy (1986). Models are presented for cluster destruction by massive black holes in M87's dark halo. Consideration is given to techniques for testing the suggestion that clusters form only on box orbits.

Ostriker, J. P.↗