Abstract:
Dynamical evolution of stellar mass distribution in star clusters
is analysed by considering simultaneously the effects of dynamical friction,
stochastic heating and the gravitational potential due to mass distribution in
the clusters. A simple expression is suggested for the dynamical friction which
adequately describes it in both high and low velocity ranges and the effect of
mass distribution in the cluster on the dynamics of a test mass can be described
by an anharmonic potential. With the help of energy considerations we describe
the dispersions in position and in velocity for stars of different masses showing
how the slowing down and mass segregation of stars evolve in the cluster.
Results are presented with the parameters for the star clusters of our Galaxy.
