Scale-invariant Mode in Collisionless Spherical Stellar Systems

Abstract: An analytical solution of the perturbed equations is obtained, which exists in all ergodic models of collisionless spherical stellar systems with a single length parameter. This solution corresponds to variations of this parameter, i.e., stretching or shrinking the sphere while preserving the total mass. The system remains in an equilibrium state. The simplicity of the solution allows for explicit expressions for the distribution function, potential, and density at all orders of perturbation theory. This, in turn, helps to clarify the concept of perturbation energy, which, being a second-order quantity in amplitude, cannot be calculated in linear theory. It is shown that the correct expression for perturbation energy, constructed taking into account 2nd order perturbations, and the well-known expression for perturbation energy constructed as bilinear form obtained within linear theory from 1st order perturbations do not coincide. However, both of these energies are integrals of motion and differ only by a constant. The obtained solution can be used to control the correctness of codes and the accuracy of calculations in the numerical study of collisionless stellar models.