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R. M. Salow (Ohio University)
We have constructed approximate self-consistent models of weakly self-gravitating, finite dispersion eccentric stellar disks around central black holes. The disk is fixed in a frame rotating at a constant precession speed, and is built by an iteration scheme in which the disk is populated by quasi-periodic orbits using a distribution function written in terms of the Kepler integrals of motion. Models have been found which have kinematic profiles similar to those observed in M31. To address the issue of the stability of particle realizations of these models, we have developed an n-body code which is well suited for the study of disk systems with high-eccentricity orbits. Preliminary results on the stability of M31-like disk models will be presented.
This work was supported by NSF CAREER grant AST 97-03036.