Dynamics of the Antonov-Nuritdinov planar galaxy model

Abstract

A time dependent solution of the collisionless Boltzmann equation (CBE) in two space dimensions first given by Antonov and Nuritdinov is discussed further. The solution is self consistent with a quadratic potential and represents a generalised Freeman bar characterised by 10 parameters. Because of two conserved quantities, they form an 8-dimensional phase space. Geometric and group theoretical aspects of this dynamica1 system are discussed. Systems of this type can show chaotic oscillations in general. This study raises interesting general questions about time dependent solutions of the CBE.