DYNAMICAL STUDIES OF CLUSTER PAIRS IN THE MAGELLANIC CLOUDS

We performed N-body simulations of star cluster encounters with Hernqu ist's TREECODE in a CRAY YMP-2E computer under different initial condi tions (relative positions and velocities, cluster sizes, masses and co ncentration degrees). The total number of particles per simulation ran ged from 1024 to 20480. These models are compared with a series of iso density maps of cluster pairs in the Magellanic Clouds. Evidence is fo und that during the interactions, transient morphological effects such as an expanded halo, isophotal deformation and isophotal twisting can occur as a result of tidal effects and dynamical friction. The simula tions also show that different outcomes are possible depending on the initial parameters: (i) longstanding changes of concentration degree c an occur after the collision; (ii) one member can disaggregate; or (ii i) the pair can coalesce into a single cluster with a distinct structu re compared with the original ones. These simulations can reproduce a wide range of morphological structures in observed cluster pairs.