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Evolution of stellar orbits in the Galactic centre
Author(s) -
Gualandris A.,
Harfst S.,
Merritt D.,
Mikkola S.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
astronomische nachrichten
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.394
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1521-3994
pISSN - 0004-6337
DOI - 10.1002/asna.200811048
Subject(s) - physics , stars , galaxy , astrophysics , integrator , black hole (networking) , gravitation , galactic center , code (set theory) , perturbation (astronomy) , astronomy , computer science , computer network , routing protocol , routing (electronic design automation) , set (abstract data type) , quantum mechanics , voltage , programming language , link state routing protocol
We describe a novel N‐body code designed for simulations of the central regions of galaxies containing massive black holes. The code incorporates Mikkola's “algorithmic” chain regularization scheme including post‐Newtonian terms up to PN2.5 order. Stars moving beyond the chain are advanced using a fourth‐order integrator with forces computed on a GRAPE board. Performance tests confirm that the hybrid code achieves better energy conservation, in less elapsed time, than the standard scheme and that it reproduces the orbits of stars tightly bound to the black hole with high precision. The hybrid code is applied to two sample problems: the effect of finite‐N gravitational fluctuations on the orbits of the S‐stars; and inspiral of an intermediate‐mass black hole into the galactic centre. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)