Abstract
We find the forms of the orbits in a self-consistent galactic model generated by a N-body simulation of the collapse of a protogalaxy. The model represents a stationary elliptical galaxy of type E5, which is approximately axisymmetric around its longest axis. The orbits are of three main types, box orbits (including box-like orbits), tube orbits and chaotic orbits. The box or box-like and tube orbits are represented by closed invariant curves on a Poincaré surface of section. The forms of the orbits and of the invariant curves can be explained by a third integral of motion I, that is given by the Giorgilli (1979) computer program. The nonresonant form of the third integral explains the box orbits, while a resonant form of this integral explains both the box orbits and the 1:1 tube orbits. The N-body model gives the distribution of velocities F, which is an exponential of the third integral.
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Contopoulos, G., Voglis, N. & Efthymiopoulos, C. Orbits and Integrals in Self-Consistent Systems. Space Science Reviews 102, 37–50 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1021368900847
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1021368900847