The Structure, Stability, and Dynamics
of Self-Gravitating Systems
Joel E. Tohline
tohline@rouge.phys.lsu.edu
Joel E. Tohline
tohline@rouge.phys.lsu.edu
Much of our present, basic understanding of the
structure, stability, and dynamical evolution of individual stars,
short-period binary star systems, and the gaseous disks that are associated
with numerous types of stellar systems (including galaxies) is derived
from an examination of the behavior of a specific set
of coupled, partial differential equations.
These equations -- most of which also are heavily utilized in
studies of continuum flows in terrestrial environments -- are thought to
govern the underlying physics of all macroscopic "fluid" systems in
astronomy. Although relatively simple in form, they prove to be very rich
in nature.
The literature on this subject is enormous, as serious discussions of
the structure and dynamical properties of stars and galaxies date back
more than a century. Although a reasonable attempt is made here to
review this vast literature and to provide a bridge between discussions
that traditionally have
focused on stellar structure and those that have focused
on galaxy disks, the
primary purpose of this work is two-fold:
A distinct advantage afforded by the development of an
on-line electronic manuscript is the opportunity hypertext offers
to continually expand or modify the manuscript's contents.
This opportunity simultaneously poses a potential frustration to the
reader (e.g., the manuscript may forever be in "draft" form).
With this in mind, every effort will be made not to bring chapters on-line
until they have been thoroughly checked for inconsistencies and errors,
and to be responsive to constructive comments and criticisms.
To assist readers/users in tracking new material,
we have included near the top of each page a date showing
when material on the page was last modified. To assist users
in locating discussions of any topical material,
we have included an
online search engine that serves as a complete
text index.
Joel E. Tohline
Department of Physics & Astronomy
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA 70803-4001
tohline@rouge.phys.lsu.edu
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