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| Paper: |
Spiral Structure Formation in Disk Galaxies |
| Volume: |
453, Advances in Computational Astrophysics: Methods, Tools, and Outcome |
| Page: |
269 |
| Authors: |
D'Onghia, E.; Vogelsberger, M.; Hernquist, L. |
| Abstract: |
Spiral structure in galaxies was
recognized as likely originating from the action of density waves
propagating through a differentially rotating disk. However, the
origin of these features remains controversial.
Using very high resolution numerical simulations we show that
spiral arms might be seeded by density inhomogeneities orbiting in the
disk itself. These perturbations can be identified with fluctuations
in the distribution of gas in the interstellar medium of galaxies,
such as giant molecular clouds. Our simulations show that when sufficient
numbers of these perturbers are present, they collectively amplify to
yield large-scale spiral patterns that resemble the spiral arms in
flocculent and intermediate late type spiral galaxies. |
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