Finite-test-mass dynamical friction coefficient

ID: finite-test-mass-dynamical-friction-coefficient

For a test mass and isotropic background particles of mass , the hyperbolic two-body problem uses the relative deflection scale . The test body's longitudinal velocity change in one encounter is . Integrating the encounter rate over impact parameter gives a logarithm; replacing its velocity-dependent value by a common Coulomb logarithm in stellar dynamics gives the displayed systematic drag. The approximation requires , not merely . Velocity diffusion and exact cutoff dependence are distinct effects omitted by this leading-log drag model.

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