The disruption of a star by the tidal field of a massive black hole is the
final outcome of a chain of complex dynamical processes in the host galaxy. I
introduce the "loss cone problem", and describe the many theoretical and
numerical challenges on the path of solving it. I review various dynamical
channels by which stars can be supplied to a massive black hole, and the
relevant dynamical relaxation / randomization mechanisms. I briefly mention
some "exotic" tidal disruption scenarios, and conclude by discussing some new
dynamical results that are changing our understanding of dynamics near a
massive black hole, and may well be relevant for tidal disruption dynamics.Comment: Invited review talk presented in the "Tidal Disruption events and AGN
outbursts" workshop, 25-27 June 2012, ESAC, Madrid, Spain. To appear in the
EPJ web of conferences, Editor: R. Saxton. 7 p
