Abstract
We propose a functional that is extremized through violent relaxation. It is based on the Ansatz that the wave-particle scattering during violent dynamical processes can be approximated as a sequence of discrete scattering events that occur near a particle's perigalacticon. This functional has an extremum whose structure closely resembles that of spheroidal stellar systems such as elliptical galaxies. The results described here, therefore, provide a simple framework for understanding the physical nature of violent relaxation and support the view that galaxies are structured in accord with fundamental statistical principles.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | L75-L78 |
Journal | Astrophysical Journal |
Volume | 397 |
Issue number | 2 PART 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Oct 1 1992 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Space and Planetary Science
Keywords
- Galaxies: formation
- Galaxies: interactions
- Gravitation