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arXiv · 0709.0211

Relativistic dynamical friction in a collisional fluid

Enrico Barausse
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Abstract

The dynamical friction force experienced by a body moving at relativistic speed in a gaseous medium is examined. This force, which arises due to the gravitational interaction of the body with its own gravitationally-induced wake, is calculated for straight-line and circular motion, generalizing previous results by several authors. Possible applications to the study of extreme mass-ratio inspirals around strongly-accreting supermassive black holes are suggested.

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Enrico Barausse. 2007-10-30. Relativistic dynamical friction in a collisional fluid. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2966.2007.12408.x

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