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.