Paper detail

Stellar dynamics in gas: The role of gas damping

In this paper, we consider how gas damping affects the dynamical evolution of gas-embedded star clusters. Using a simple three-component (i.e. one gas and two stellar components) model, we compare the rates of mass segregation due to two-body relaxation, accretion from the interstellar medium, and gas dynamical friction in both the supersonic and subsonic regimes. Using observational data in the literature, we apply our analytic predictions to two different astrophysical environments, namely galactic nuclei and young open star clusters. Our analytic results are then tested using numerical simulations performed with the NBSymple code, modified by an additional deceleration term to model the damping effects of the gas. The results of our simulations are in reasonable agreement with our analytic predictions, and demonstrate that gas damping can significantly accelerate the rate of mass segregation. A stable state of approximate energy equilibrium cannot be achieved in our model if gas damping is present, even if Spitzer's Criterion is satisfied. This instability drives the continued dynamical decoupling and subsequent ejection (and/or collisions) of the more massive population. Unlike two-body relaxation, gas damping causes overall cluster contraction, reducing both the core and half-mass radii. If the cluster is mass segregated (and/or the gas density is highest at the cluster centre), the latter contracts faster than the former, accelerating the rate of core collapse.