Rapid Mass Segregation in Massive Star Clusters
arXiv:1210.8200
Abstract
Several dynamical scenarios have been proposed that can lead to prompt mass segregation on the crossing time scale of a young cluster. They generally rely on cool and/or clumpy initial conditions, and are most relevant to small systems. As a counterpoint, we present a novel dynamical mechanism that can operate in relatively large, homogeneous, cool or cold systems. This mechanism may be important in understanding the assembly of large mass-segregated clusters from smaller clumps.
2 pages, 2 figures; Invited talk presented as Special Session 1 "Origin and Complexity of Massive Star Clusters" at IAU General Assembly XXVIII, Beijing 2012. To appear in Highlights of Astronomy