The Formation of Multiple Systems by Dynamical Interaction in Clusters

Abstract

AbstractThis review is mainly devoted to a discussion of binary formation and evolution in stellar systems, as described by N-body techniques. The simplest formation mechanisms consist of ejection from bound triple systems and capture arising from hyperbolic three-body encounters. However, the large number of astrophysically close binaries cannot be accounted for in this way unless most stars are formed in compact groups. Numerical calculations show that the evolution of clusters containing several hundred members is invariably dominated by one central binary which absorbs a large fraction of the total energy. It is suggested that a visual binary in the core of the Hyades cluster may have been associated with this process.