Stochastic force in gravitational systems

Abstract

In this paper I study the probability distribution of the gravitational force in gravitational systems through numerical experiments. I show that Kandrup's (1980) and Antonuccio-Delogu & Atrio-Barandela's (1992) theories describe correctly the stochastic force probability distribution respectively in inhomogeneous and clustered systems. I find equations for the probability distribution of stochastic forces in finite systems, both homogeneous and clustered, which I use to compare the theoretical predictions with Montecarlo simulations of spherically symmetric systems. The agreement between theoretical predictions and simulations proves to be quite satisfactory.