Coupled map lattice for the spiral pattern formation in astronomical objects

Abstract

We propose a minimal coupled map lattice (CML) for the spiral pattern formation in astronomical objects which consist of accreting gas induced by gravity as a long-range force. In the proposed CML, we assume only two procedures: one in which the flow of gas particles occurs by gravity and another one in which the collision of gas particles occurs by advection in the flow. In spite of its simplicity, the numerical simulation of the proposed CML shows a new formation process in which grand design spiral patterns appear due to gas ejection from a central star. Several aspects of the formation process are indeed in good agreement with the results of conventional theories and observations. This agreement and the observations of outflows should suggest that the above gas ejection can happen and lead to the formation of grand design spiral patterns, in actual spiral galaxies and protoplanetary disks.