Year: 1994
Type: article
Abstract: We present preliminary results of our investigation into the influence of shear fields on the evolution of galactic scale fluctuations in a primordial Gaussian random density field. Specifically, we study how the matter associated with a galaxy scale peak evolves, to determine whether the shear can affect the peak's ability to form a virialized structure. We find that the evolution of the mass distribution in the immediate surroundings of >= 1 σ initial density peaks is sensitive to the nature and magnitude of the shear. Its final fate and configuration spans a plethora of possibilities, ranging from accretion onto the peak to complete disruption. On the other hand, the mass defining the peak itself tends to form a virialized object, though a given galaxy scale peak need not necessarily form only one halo. Furthermore, galaxy-sized halos need not necessarily be associated with initial galaxy scale density peaks. Under certain conditions, the shear field is capable of breaking up a single primordial peak into two (and perhaps, more) distinct halos, or of promoting the growth of smaller scale peaks into galaxy-sized halos.
Source: The Astrophysical Journal
DOI: 10.1086/187310
Authors: Rien van de Weygaert, Arif Babul
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2090069902