Tuesday

Simulations as well as empirical observations in astrophysics motivate the use of a theory which can capture and describe perturbed distributions in both plasmas and stellar structures. As a first step in the right direction, we study perturbations in the phase space structures of gravitating systems by decomposing them via a basis of normal modes; the modal theory of van Kampen's is adapted to inhomogeneous, self-gravitating systems with ergodic mean field distributions and linearised perturbations. I present this refurbished theory of van Kampen dynamics, and furnish the intuition necessary to visualise this family of singular continuum modes. I will compare this refurbished theory with the traditional theory of van Kampen modes in plasmas, and describe crucial similarities and differences. I will conclude by elucidating my future directions: Firstly, the modification of this modal theory so as to facilitate applications to galactic discs, and secondly, applying it to empirical data.