On the role of interstellar gas in spiral galaxies

Abstract

This paper discusses the role played by the interstellar gas in spiral galaxies,using a two-disk model, one for the stars, one for the gas. The following conclusions are drawn. 1. When stars and gas have different velocity dispersions,the stellar and gaseous arm must separate. 2. Such a separation makes the spiral mode of density waves unstable. 3. The ratio η between the densities of gas and stars must be less than a certain value for density waves to be maintained.4.The smaller η is,the more tightly wound will be the arms.