Shell Galaxies: Dynamical Friction, Gradual Satellite Decay and Merger Dating
Abstract
With the goal to refine modelling of shell galaxies and the use of shells to probe the merger history, we develop a new method for implementing dynamical friction in test-particle simulations of radial minor mergers. The friction is combined with a gradual decay of the dwarf galaxy. The coupling of both effects can considerably redistribute positions and luminosities of shells; neglecting them can lead to significant errors in attempts to date the merger.
- Publication:
-
Galaxy Wars: Stellar Populations and Star Formation in Interacting Galaxies
- Pub Date:
- June 2010
- DOI:
- 10.48550/arXiv.0908.3742
- arXiv:
- arXiv:0908.3742
- Bibcode:
- 2010ASPC..423..236E
- Keywords:
-
- Astrophysics - Galaxy Astrophysics
- E-Print:
- 4 pages, 3 figures, To appear in the Proceedings of the Galaxy Wars: Stellar Populations and Star Formation in Interacting Galaxies Conference