Relaxation of a Vlasov gas to an inhomogeneous state due to phase space mixing in an axisymmetric potential: A Newtonian analogy of the Kerr orbital motion
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: We explore the dynamics of a Vlasov gas propagating in an external axisymmetric potential consisting of a central potential with an additional quadrupolar component which gives rise to two potential wells along the symmetry axis. Employing independently $N$-particle simulations and statistical methods, we show that an initially homogeneous and isotropic configuration evolves to an inhomogeneous final state with overdensities located at the wells. The quadrupolar component is chosen such that the equations of motion form an integrable Hamiltonian system, which allows one to compute the final state of the gas analytically. On the one hand, this allows one to compare the late-time behaviour of the simulations with an analytic prediction and on the other hand to understand the relaxation process through phase space mixing. Our model constitutes a Newtonian analogue of the particle motion in a Kerr spacetime, and we discuss possible applications to recently observed astrophysical phenomena.
Source: arXiv (Cornell University)
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funders: Eesti Teadusagentuur, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Center for Research and Development in Mathematics and Applications, HORIZON EUROPE Framework Programme, Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, Dirección General de Asuntos del Personal Académico, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
OpenAlex ID: W7221037716