Dense Stellar Populations: Initial Conditions

TL;DR

This chapter reviews the initial conditions of dense stellar populations, including their structure, binary populations, and gas expulsion, providing foundational knowledge for simulations and stellar population studies.

Contribution

It compiles and explains key initial parameters and processes for dense stellar populations, aiding accurate modeling and simulation efforts.

Findings

Overview of the IMF and 6D structure of dense clusters

Insights into residual gas expulsion effects

Guidelines for initializing stellar populations in simulations

Abstract

This chapter is based on four lectures given at the Cambridge N-body school "Cambody". The material covered includes the IMF, the 6D structure of dense clusters, residual gas expulsion and the initial binary population. It is aimed at those needing to initialise stellar populations for a variety of purposes (N-body experiments, stellar population synthesis).