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SLAC Publication: SLAC-PUB-13552
SLAC Release Date: June 22, 2011
Galaxy Mergers with Adaptive Mesh Refinement: Star Formation and Hot Gas Outflow
Kim, Ji-hoon.
In hierarchical structure formation, merging of galaxies is frequent and known to dramatically affect their properties. To comprehend these interactions high-resolution simulations are indispensable because of the nonlinear coupling between pc and Mpc scales. To this end, we present the first adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) simulation of two merging, low mass, initially gas-rich galaxies (1:8 x 1010M. each), including star formation and feedback. With galaxies resolved by ~2 x 107 total computati... Show Full Abstract
In hierarchical structure formation, merging of galaxies is frequent and known to dramatically affect their properties. To comprehend these interactions high-resolution simulations are indispensable because of the nonlinear coupling between pc and Mpc scales. To this end, we present the first adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) simulation of two merging, low mass, initially gas-rich galaxies (1:8 x 1010M. each), including star formation and feedback. With galaxies resolved by ~2 x 107 total computational elements, we achieve unprecedented resolution of the multiphase interstellar medium, finding a widespread starburst in the merging galaxies via shock-induced star formation. The high dynamic range of AMR also allows us to follow the interplay between the galaxies and their embedding medium depicting how galactic outflows and a hot metal-rich halo form. These results demonstrate that AMR provides a powerful tool in understanding interacting galaxies. Show Partial Abstract
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  • Interest Categories: Astrophysics