Understanding the Dynamical State of Globular Clusters: Core-Collapsed vs Non Core-Collapsed

Abstract

We study the dynamical evolution of globular clusters using our Hénon-type Monte Carlo code for stellar dynamics including all relevant physics such as two-body relaxation, single and binary stellar evolution, Galactic tidal stripping, and strong interactions such as physical collisions and binary mediated scattering. We compute a large database of several hundred models starting from broad ranges of initial conditions guided by observations of young and massive star clusters. We show that these initial conditions very naturally lead to present day clusters with properties including the central density, core radius, half-light radius, half-mass relaxation time, and cluster mass, that match well with those of the old Galactic globular clusters. In particular, we can naturally reproduce the bimodal distribution in observed core radii separating the "core-collapsed" vs the "non core-collapsed" clusters. We see that the core-collapsed clusters are those that have reached or are about to reach the equilibrium "binary burning" phase. The non core-collapsed clusters are still undergoing gravo-thermal contraction.

42 pages, 12 figures, 1 table, submitted to MNRAS

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• The central density of R136 in 30 Doradus
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• Matching Globular Cluster Models to Observations
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• Probing the Black Hole Merger History in Clusters using Stellar Tidal Disruptions
• Mock Observations of Blue Stragglers in Globular Cluster Models
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• Runaway and Hypervelocity Stars from Compact Object Encounters in Globular Clusters
• Accelerated binary black holes in globular clusters: forecasts and detectability in the era of space-based gravitational-wave detectors
• Structural parameters for globular clusters in M31
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• Millisecond Pulsars in Dense Star Clusters: Evolution, Scaling Relations, and the Galactic-Center Gamma-ray Excess
• The Initial Properties of Young Star Clusters in M83
• Lifting the dust veil from the Globular Cluster Palomar2
• Gravitational Microlensing Rates in Milky Way Globular Clusters
• Dynamical double black holes and their host cluster properties