The Influence of the Dark Matter Halo on the Structures of the Galactic Disc
Loading...
Authors
Joshi, Robin
Date
Type
thesis
Language
eng
Keyword
Astrophysics , Galaxies , N-Body Simulations , Bars , Warps , Dynamical Friction , Galaxy Dynamics
Alternative Title
Abstract
Disc galaxies such as the Milky Way host some of the most striking features in nature. Many observations of disc galaxies have shown us structures such as grand design spiral arms and prominent warps which bend the disc out of its plane. Inspired by these structures, many decades of research has been conducted in an attempt to understand the properties and causes of these features. However, due to the complexity of the system it is still an active area of research.
In this thesis we examine the bar, warps, the buckling instability and dynamical friction effects that occur due to interactions between the disc and dark matter halo. To do this we make use of four N-body simulations, two of which feature spinning dark matter halos with prograde and retrograde orientations, one with a static halo and an isotropic halo. We find three major findings in our analysis of these systems. First, a buckling instability that leaves m = 1 kinematic signatures in mean vertical displacement and velocity. Second, that warps in N-body simulations are much more prominent in retrograde halos than in prograde halos. Finally, we find a disc-halo instability driven by dynamical friction which causes the center of the disc to move outward in radius overtime in rotating halos.
Description
Citation
Publisher
License
Queen's University's Thesis/Dissertation Non-Exclusive License for Deposit to QSpace and Library and Archives Canada
ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 United States
ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 United States