Self-consistent simulations of Nuclear Cluster formation through Globular Cluster orbital decay and merging

TL;DR

This paper uses detailed N-body simulations to study how globular clusters decay and merge to form nuclear clusters, showing results consistent with observed galactic nuclei features.

Contribution

It provides the first fully self-consistent simulation of globular cluster orbital decay and merging, confirming nuclear cluster formation with improved realism.

Findings

Nuclear clusters form through globular cluster merging.

Simulations match observed density and velocity profiles.

Formation occurs in slightly shorter times than previous models.

Abstract

We present results of fully self-consistent N-body simulations of the motion of four globular clusters moving in the inner region of their parent galaxy. With regard to previous simplified simulations, we confirm merging and formation of an almost steady nuclear cluster, in a slightly shorter time. The projected surface density profile shows strong similarity to that of resolved galactic nuclei. This similarity reflects also in the velocity dispersion profile which exhibits a central colder component as observed in many nucleated galaxies.