| Issue |
EAS Publications Series
Volume 44, 2010
JENAM 2008: Grand Challenges in Computational Astrophysics
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Page(s) | 19 - 28 | |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1051/eas/1044002 | |
| Published online | 20 January 2011 | |
H. Wozniak and G. Hensler (eds)
EAS Publications Series, 44 (2010) 19-28
Computer Models for Stellar Dynamics Circa 2008
Observatoire astronomique de Strasbourg & CNRS UMR
7550 11, rue de l’université, 67000 Strasbourg, France ;
e-mail: christian.boily@astro.unistra.fr
In this brief review I sum up some recent progress in the area of stellar dynamics, focusing on the dynamics of self-bound stellar associations in isolation and in (approximate) equilibrium. The basics of stellar dynamics are first outlined and the importance of stellar evolution is stressed. Subsequently I argue that the evolution of multi-mass clusters in the point-mass approximation still holds clues to the dynamics of galaxy nuclei. I take a more personal standpoint when discussing the role of stellar evolution on the dynamics over relaxation time scales and draw from several recent models to underscore that a major step forward has been made in the coupling of stellar evolution and dynamics. I then briefly visit the issue of multiple stars and highlight some as yet unsolved problems.
© EAS, EDP Sciences 2011