Equilibrium models of radially anisotropic spherical stellar systems with softened central potentials

Abstract: We study a new class of equilibrium two-parametric distribution functions of spherical stellar systems with radially anisotropic velocity distribution of stars. The models are less singular counterparts of the so called generalized polytropes, widely used in works on equilibrium and stability of gravitating systems in the past. The offered models, unlike the generalized polytropes, have finite density and potential in the center. The absence of the singularity is necessary for proper consideration of the radial orbit instability, which is the most important instability in spherical stellar systems. Comparison of the main observed parameters (potential, density, anisotropy) predicted by the present models and other popular equilibrium models is provided.