Parametric dwarf spheroidal tidal interaction

The time-dependent tidal interaction of the Local Group dwarf spheroidal (dSph) galaxies with the Milky Way (MW) can fundamentally affect their dynamical properties. The model developed here extends earlier numerical descriptions of dSph-MW tidal interactions. We explore the dynamical evolution of dSph systems in circular or elliptical MW orbits in the framework of a parametric oscillator. An analytic model is developed and compared with more general numerical solutions and N-body simulation experiments.