Non-stationarity parameters of open clusters

Abstract

Estimates of a number of dynamical parameters of 103 open star clusters are presented: the density contrast in the cluster core, stellar velocity dispersion, taking into account the influence of the external field of the Galaxy and non-stationarity of the cluster, oscillation periods of the cluster and the cluster core, etc. Analytical solutions to the gross dynamical equations are obtained for simple cluster models. These solutions are used to estimate a number of quantities characterizing the degree of non-stationarity of the cluster, such as the amplitude of oscillations of the cluster virial coefficient and of the radius of the cluster core, etc. Astrophysical applications of these results are discussed. © 2012 Pleiades Publishing, Ltd.