Dynamical evolution of rotating stellar systems - II. Post-collapse, equal-mass system

Abstract

We present the first post-core-collapse models of initially rotating star clusters, using the numerical solution of an orbit-averaged 2D Fokker-Planck equation. Based on the code developed by Einsel & Spurzem, we have improved the speed and the stability and included the steady three-body binary heating source. We have confirmed that rotating clusters, whether they are in a tidal field or not, evolve significantly faster than non-rotating ones. Consequences for the observed shapes, density distribution and kinematic properties of young and old star clusters are discussed. The results are compared with gaseous and 1D Fokker-Planck models in the non-rotating case.