Dynamical Evolution of Disk Galaxies
Abstract
Spiral patterns are important agents of galaxy evolution. In this review, I describe how the redistribution of angular momentum by recurrent transient spiral patterns causes the random speeds of stars to rise over time, metallicity gradients to be reduced, and drives large-scale turbulence in the disk, which could be important for galactic dynamos. I also outline a possible mechanism for the recurrence of spiral instabilities and supporting evidence from solar neighborhood kinematics. Finally, I confirm that cloud scattering alone would predict the local velocity ellipsoid to be flattened, contrary to long-held expectations.
Cite
@article{arxiv.0803.1574,
title = {Dynamical Evolution of Disk Galaxies},
author = {J. A. Sellwood},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:0803.1574},
year = {2008}
}
Comments
10 pages, 1 figure - to appear in "Formation and Evolution of Galaxy Disks" eds Corsini & Funes ASP Conference series - typos fixed