We report on a homogeneous dynamical analysis of a sample of 21 round
(17 E0/E1, 4 E2) elliptical galaxies. We present new kinematic data
for eight of these galaxies and new photometry for one object. The
remaining kinematic and photometric data and the required distance
information are taken from the literature. The analysis uses
non-parametric spherical models and takes into account line profile
information as well as velocity dispersions. We present model fits to
the kinematic data and the derived radial profiles of orbital
anisotropy and
B-band mass-to-light ratio, including confidence
intervals. The circular velocity curves resulting from our model fits
are all consistent with being flat outside
.
Generally, the
M/
L ratio profiles show an outward increase,
although models based on luminous matter are ruled out at 95%
confidence only for three galaxies (NGC 2434, NGC 7507, NGC 7626). For
NGC 1399, NGC 4472, NGC 4486, and NGC 4636, where X-ray observations
are available, the mass profiles of the best fit models match the ones
derived from the X-ray analysis. The best models for most galaxies
are isotropic to slightly radially anisotropic, with typical
,
in a few cases
at
.
We discuss the
generally small effects of flattening along the line-of-sight (the
expected
= 0.79 for this sample of luminous ellipticals) and
of small embedded disks. Our results suggest that elliptical galaxies
have surprisingly uniform dynamical properties.
Key words: galaxies: elliptical and lenticular, cD -- galaxies:
fundamental parameters, kinematics and dynamics, photometry, structure