Potential Theory: Axisymmetric Models for Disk Galaxies

This lecture covers the principles of potential theory as applied to axisymmetric models for disk galaxies. The instructor begins by discussing the potential density pairs for spherical systems, then transitions to more complex systems that better describe galactic disks. Key topics include potential-based models, the definition of axisymmetric models, and the mathematical tools necessary for understanding these systems. The instructor explains the significance of the Kuzmin disk and the Miyamoto-Nagai potential, highlighting their applications in modeling disk galaxies. The lecture also addresses the potential of flattened systems and infinite thin disks, emphasizing the importance of surface density in these models. The instructor introduces various mathematical techniques to derive potential and velocity curves, illustrating how these models can be used to understand the dynamics of galaxies. The session concludes with a discussion on perturbations in disks and the implications for spiral structures, providing a comprehensive overview of potential theory in astrophysics.