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Statistical mechanics of violent relaxationWe 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.
Document ID
19930026516
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Spergel, David N.
(Princeton Univ. Observatory, NJ, United States)
Hernquist, Lars
(California Univ. Santa Cruz, United States)
Date Acquired
August 15, 2013
Publication Date
October 1, 1992
Publication Information
Publication: Astrophysical Journal, Part 2 - Letters
Volume: 397
Issue: 2
ISSN: 0004-637X
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Accession Number
93A10513
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF AST-88-58145
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-2448
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-2422
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF AST-91-17388
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF AST-90-18526
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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