[Previous] | [Session 44] | [Next]
A. Ates, B. E. Penprase (Pomona College), V. Johnson (Interconnect, Inc.)
An approach is presented for modeling and performing N-body simulations of a star cluster and comparing it with observational data. This procedure has been designed for use in an undergraduate curriculum and could be extended to include new results from astrometry missions like SIM. The software guides a student through the process of estimating 3D models of masses, positions and velocities of a cluster, such as Plaeides or Hyades, to obtain a model for N-body simulations. This includes how to find and use sources of astrometic data, perform coordinate transformations, make estimations where data is unavailable, such as estimating masses from brightness, and how to use standard models such as the Plummer model. The aggregate model is then input to NBodyLab, a dynamical N-body simulation testbed developed at Pomona College that uses an MD-GRAPE2 hardware accelerator. We present sample models of galactic clusters and discuss future possibilities in research and educational settings.
If you would like more information about this abstract, please follow the link to http://www.nbodylab.com. This link was provided by the author. When you follow it, you will leave the Web site for this meeting; to return, you should use the Back comand on your browser.
[Previous] | [Session 44] | [Next]
Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 34, #4
© 2002. The American Astronomical Soceity.