The dynamics of cluster substructure

To understand cluster formation and evolution it is important to understand the evolution of cluster substructure. The work described here focuses upon a set of fully self-consistent numerical simulations within a ΛCDM cosmology. Within the simulations we follow in detail the temporal and spatial properties of individually tracked satellite galaxies. The host galaxy clusters were chosen to sample a variety of formation histories, ages, and triaxialities. Despite their obvious differences, we find striking similarities within the associated substructure populations. Namely, the satellite galaxy orbital distributions are indistinguishable between the galaxy clusters.