Dynamical Evolution of Galaxies

This research monograph presents a new dynamical framework for the study of secular morphological evolution of galaxies along the Hubble sequence. Classical approaches based on Boltzmann's kinetic equation, as well as on its moment-equation descendants the Euler and Navier-Stokes fluid equations, are inadequate for treating the maintenance and long-term evolution of systems containing self-organized structures such as galactic density-wave modes. A global and synthetic approach, incorporating correlated fluctuations of the constituent particles during a nonequilibrium phase transition, is adopted to supplement the continuum treatment. The cutting-edge research combining analytical, N-body simulational, and observational aspects, as well as the fundamental-physics connections it provides, make this work a valuable reference for researchers and graduate students in astronomy, astrophysics, cosmology, many-body physics, complexity theory, and other related fields.

Content s
Dynamical Drivers of Galaxy Evolution
N-Body Simulations of Galaxy Evolution
Astrophysical Implications of the Dynamical Theory
Putting It All Together
Concluding Remarks
Appendix: Relation to Kinetics and Fluid Mechanics

Inhaltsverzeichnis:

Content

Preface page
1 Introduction
1.1 Observational Background
1.2 Theoretical Background
1.3 Organization of the Material

2 Drivers of Secular Morphological Evolution of Galaxies
2.1 Motivations for the Theoretical Approach
2.2 Density Wave Crest as the Site of Gravitational Instability
2.3 Potential-Density Phase Shifts for Density Wave Modes
2.4 Linear Regime and Quasi-Steady State of the Wave Modes
2.5 Torque Coupling and Angular Momentum Transport
2.6 Rates of Secular Evolution
2.7 Relation to "Broadening of Resonances"
2.8 In a Nutshell

3 Verification of Analytical Results through N-Body Simulations
3.1 Overview of the N-Body Simulations of Disk Galaxies
3.2 Simulation Codes and Basic State Specifications
3.3 Signature of Collisionless Shock in N-Body Spirals
3.4 Modal Nature of a Spontaneously-Formed Pattern
3.5 Qualitative Signature of Secular Mass Redistribution
3.6 Longevity of the Spi ral Modes
3.7 Role of Gas
3.8 Implication on Orbits as "Building Blocks"
3.9 Second Generation Tests

4 Astrophysical Implications of the New Dynamical Theory
4.1 Motivations and General Outline
4.2 Potential-Density Phase Shift (PDPS) Method for CR Determination
4.3 Secular Mass Migration and Bulge Building
4.4 Secular Heating and The Age-Velocity-Dispersion Relation
4.5 Secular Heating and the Size-Linewidth Relation
4.6 Other Characteristics of the Milky Way Galaxy and External Galaxies
4.7 Universal Rotation Curve
4.8 Secular Evolution and the Maintenance of Galaxy Scaling Relations
4.9 Butcher-Oemler Effect and Evolution of Cluster Galaxies
4.10 Secular Evolution and the Origin of Color-Magnitude Relation
4.11 An Example of Secular Evolution in Interacting Galaxies
4.12 Black-Hole-Mass and Bulge-Mass Correlation

5 Putting in All Together: What We Have Learned So Far
5.1 Reexamine the Foundations
5.2 Role of B asic State Specification
5.3 Broader Implications
5.4 Implications on the Cosmological Evolution of Galaxies

6 Concluding Remarks

7 Appendix. Nonequilibrium Phase Transition and Classical Mechanics
7.1 Foundation of Kinetic Theory: the Boltzmann Equation
7.2 From Kinetic Theory to Fluid Mechanics
7.3 Nonequilibrium Phase Transition and Galaxy Evolution
7.4 The Proper Choice of Hierarchies

8 References