potentialstheoryandstellarorbits.pptVIP

Take limits at Δt ? 0 and Δx ? 0 Equation of continuity – stars are not destroyed or added Rate of stars flowing in + rate of stars flowing out is zero. The Collisionless Boltzmann equation is like the EOC, but allows for changes in velocity and relates changes in DF to forces on the stars. Assume acceleration of star dv/dt depends only on potential at x,t If dv/dt 0, after Δt all stars will be moving faster by Δt dv/dt Stars with velocities between v and v-Δt dv/dt move in Those with velocities below v+Δv have left x x+Δx v v + Δv x,v x+Δx,v+Δv Then, the net # of stars that enter t