We describe a novel N-body code designed for simulations of the central regions of galaxies containing massive black holes. The code incorporates Mikkolas algorithmic chain regularization scheme including post-Newtonian terms up to PN2.5 order. Stars
moving beyond the chain are advanced using a fourth-order integrator with forces computed on a GRAPE board. Performance tests confirm that the hybrid code achieves better energy conservation, in less elapsed time, than the standard scheme and that it reproduces the orbits of stars tightly bound to the black hole with high precision. The hybrid code is applied to two sample problems: the effect of finite-N gravitational fluctuations on the orbits of the S-stars; and inspiral of an intermediate-mass black hole into the galactic center.
We have constructed realistic, self-consistent models of triaxial elliptical galaxies embedded in triaxial dark matter halos. Self-consistent solutions by means of the standard orbital superposition technique introduced by Schwarzschild were found in
each of the three cases studied. Chaotic orbits were found to be important in all of the models, and their presence was shown to imply a possible slow evolution of the shapes of the halos. The equilibrium velocity distribution is reproduced by a Lorentzian function better than by a Gaussian. Our results demonstrate for the first time that triaxial dark matter halos can co-exist with triaxial galaxies.
