Can Galactic Fluid Dynamics Be Analyzed More Analytically Using Fluid Equations?

[FunkyDwarf]

Hey guys,

I have the following (non-homework) problem:

I am simulating a collection of normally distributed non-interacting stars falling into a much larger galactic potential from some radial distance and some initial velocity and watching them slosh around in this potential. Currently i am doing this via n-body simulations and looking at how the dynamics change when i make the potential more or less lumpy. My question is: is it possible to do this more analytically via fluid equations? My understanding is that things like the Boltzmann equation would be good to work with except they describe self gravitating systems. Basically what i would like to be able to do is model everything via density distributions, ie i plug a (number or mass it doesn't matter, considering equal mass test particles) density distribution into a potential caused by something else and see what happens. Any suggestions?

Cheers
-G

 

[creepypasta13]

i don't know, but your work definitely sounds interesting and i wish i could work on it

 

[astrokreng]

alactic fluid dynamics is a fascinating and complex field of study that aims to understand the motion and behavior of gas and stars within galaxies. Your approach of using n-body simulations to study the dynamics of stars in a galactic potential is a commonly used method in astrophysics. However, there are also analytical methods that can be used to study galactic fluid dynamics, such as the Boltzmann equation and the hydrodynamic equations.

The Boltzmann equation is a fundamental equation in statistical mechanics that describes the behavior of a system of particles. It can be used to study the dynamics of self-gravitating systems, such as galaxies, by considering the collisional interactions between particles. This approach is often used in the study of galaxy clusters, where the gravitational potential is dominated by dark matter and gas interactions are important.

On the other hand, the hydrodynamic equations, which describe the motion of fluids, can also be applied to galactic dynamics. In this approach, the stars and gas in a galaxy are treated as a continuous fluid, and the equations of motion are solved to study the evolution of the system. This method has been used to study the formation and evolution of galaxies, as well as the dynamics of gas in galactic disks.

In your case, it may be possible to use the hydrodynamic equations to model the density distribution of stars falling into a galactic potential. However, this approach may be more challenging than using n-body simulations, as it requires assumptions about the nature of the fluid and its interactions. Additionally, the accuracy of the results may depend on the specific assumptions and approximations made in the model.

Overall, both analytical and numerical methods have their strengths and limitations in studying galactic fluid dynamics. It may be beneficial to use a combination of these approaches to gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics of stars and gas in galaxies.