Evolution of multiple black hole nuclei in merged galaxies

Abstract

AbstractThe evolution of three and four black hole clusters which arise in mergers of small galaxy groups have been simulated. Typically, the chaotic dynamics of these multiple black hole systems leads to a decay via the slingshot process. Orbits of 100,000 initial configurations have been calculated and the final configurations have been classified in seven different categories. Examples of the orbits in each category are illustrated.