Statistical mechanics of 1D self-gravitating systems: The core-halo distribution

Abstract

We study, using both theory and simulations, a system of self-gravitating sheets. A new statistical mechanics theory - free of any adjustable parameters is derived to quantitatively predict the final stationary state achieved by this system after the process of collisionless relaxation is completed. The theory shows a very good agreement with the numerical simulations. The model sheds new light on the general mechanism of relaxation of self-gravitating systems and may help us to understand cold matter distribution in the Universe. © 2011 The Authors. Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society © 2011 RAS.