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[14.16] Star Cluster Simulations that Include Newtonian and Modified Newtonian Gravitational Interactions

F.J. Olive, W.M. Baker, J. Brady (Furman University)

There has been increasing interest in a gravitational theory proposed by M. Milgrom as an alternative to dark matter. This Modified Newtonian Theory of Gravity (MOND) retains the Newtonian gravitation field, gn , for accelerations above a specific acceleration value, i.e. ~ 10-8 cm/sec2 , and uses g=Sqrt(a0 gn) for accelerations below this value. We have developed a computational model for each theory that allows us to consider the gravitational interaction of many objects. We have used these models to study the evolutionary dynamics of stars in a small cluster which interact in a normal Newtonian manner and when MOND is applied. Our results indicated although the evolution of the clusters is similar, after the collapse phase the velocity distributions are different within the cluster.

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Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 35#5
© 2003. The American Astronomical Soceity.