Chaos in core-halo gravitating systems

Abstract

Chaotic dynamics essentially defines the global properties of gravitating systems, including, probably, the basics of morphology of galaxies. We use the Ricci curvature criterion to study the degree of relative chaos (exponential instability) in core-halo gravitating configurations. We show the existence of a critical core radius when the system is least chaotic, while systems with both smaller and larger core radius will typically possess stronger chaotic properties.