A stochastic Monte Carlo approach to modelling of real star cluster evolution .1. The model

A new approach is outlined to follow the individual formation and evolution of hard three-body binaries in an evolving equal point mass star cluster. The single stars are treated as a conducting gas sphere with a standard anisotropic gaseous model, binary formation and subsequent hardening by close encounters, and relaxation (dynamical friction) of the binaries with the single stars by a Monte Carlo technique. The results agree very well with the standard theoretical models and with a direct N-body simulation. It is argued that the method can be extended to generate an efficient, cheap and realistic model of large star clusters.