A gap in phase-space, the loss cone (LC), is opened up by a supermassive black hole (MBH) as it disrupts or accretes stars in a galactic centre. If a star enters the LC then, depending on its properties, its interaction with the MBH will either generate a luminous electromagnetic flare or give rise to gravitational radiation, both of which are expected to have directly observable consequences. The thesis begins with a brief review of dynamical modelling collisionless galaxies. Then the general scheme is developed to construct high-resolution N-body models. Next, a suit of optimized model and...