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The evolution of a primordial binary population in a globular cluster
Journal article   Open access

The evolution of a primordial binary population in a globular cluster

Piet Hut, Steve Mcmillan and Roger W. Romani
The Astrophysical journal, v 389(2), pp 527-545
20 Apr 1992
url
https://doi.org/10.1086/171229View
Published, Version of Record (VoR)Maybe Open Access (Publisher Bronze) Open

Abstract

ASTROPHYSICS
A simple model is presented for the evolution of a primordial binary population in a globular cluster. Monte Carlo simulations are given for an initial population of 50,000 binaries against a fixed background population of 500,000 single stars in a tidally truncated cluster model. Individual histories of all binaries are followed through mass segregation, scattering recoil, escape from the cluster, or coalescence. It is found that most binaries are destroyed by binary-binary interactions, with the rest escaping in the point-mass approximation. In a more realistic model, the majority of the rest merge. At any instant, most of the remaining binaries are drifting in toward the center before their first strong encounter. A typical binary spends most of its active life in or near the cluster core. The few binaries which receive a recoil sufficient to place them in the halo past the half-mass radius remain there long enough to make a significant contribution to the radial binary distribution.

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Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
Web of Science research areas
Astronomy & Astrophysics
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