Numerical study of one-dimensional Vlasov–Poisson equations for infinite homogeneous stellar systems

We consider the gravitational Vlasov–Poisson (VP), or the so-called collisionless Boltzmann–Poisson equations for the self-gravitating collisionless stellar systems. We compute the solutions using a high-order discontinuous Galerkin method for the Vlasov equation, and the classical representation by Green’s function for the Poisson equation in the one-dimensional setting. We study both the case of damping and Jeans instability depending on the wavenumbers, which are taken to be greater than or less than the Jeans wavenumber, respectively. The method is shown to be stable, accurate and conservative. We report for the first time the BGK modes for the gravitational VP system, and we study the behavior of solutions associated with these various wavenumbers.

► We consider the gravitational Vlasov–Poisson equations for collisionless stellar systems. ► We compute the solutions by a high-order discontinuous Galerkin method. ► We study the BGK modes and the behavior of solutions with various wavenumbers.