Dark matter haloes and self-similarity

Abstract

This papers explores the self similar solutions of the Vlasov-Poisson system and their relation to the gravitational collapse of dynamically cold systems. Analytic solutions are derived for power law potentials in one dimension, and extensions of these solutions in three dimensions are proposed. Next the self similarity of the collapse of cold dynamical systems is investigated numerically. The fold system in phase space is consistent with analytic self similar solutions, the solutions present all the proper self-similar scaling. An additional point is the appearance of an x 1 2 law at the center of the system for initial conditions with power law index larger than 1 (the Binney conjecture). It is found that the first appearance of the x 1 2 law corresponds to the formation of a singularity very close to the center. Finally the general properties of self similar multi dimensional solutions near equilibrium are investigated. Smooth and continuous self similar solutions have power law behavior at equilibrium. However cold initial conditions result in discontinuous phase space solutions, and the smoothed phase space density looses its auto similar properties. This problem is easily solved by observing that the probability distribution of the phase space density P is identical except for scaling parameters to the probability distribution of the smoothed phase space density PS. As a consequence PS inherits the self similar properties of P. This particular property is at the origin of the universal power law observed in numerical simulation for � �3. The self similar properties of PS implies that other quantities should have also an universal power law behavior with predictable exponents. This hypothesis is tested using a numerical model of the phase space density of cold dark matter haloes, an excellent agreement is obtained.