The rate of gravitational galaxy clustering

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (17) References (29) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS The Rate of Gravitational Galaxy Clustering Saslaw, William C. Abstract An adiabatic hypothesis for the rate of gravitational galaxy clustering is found to give a physical description of clustering which also explains relevant N-body experiments in the nonlinear regime. The gravitational interactions are included in the equations of state. In the nonlinear regime the ratio, b, of gravitational correlation energy to the kinetic energy of peculiar velocities is related to the expansion scale, R, of the universe by the simple formula R = R_*_b^1/8^(1 - b)^-7/8^, where R_*_ is a constant given by the initial state. There is a critical value b_crit_ = [2 + (10)^1/2^]/6 = 0.8604 at which the specific heat at constant volume becomes negative and fluctuations become thermodynamically unstable. Around this value of b_crit_, clusters become dominant and their subsequent rate of formation decreases. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: June 1992 DOI: 10.1086/171357 Bibcode: 1992ApJ...391..423S Keywords: Cosmology; Galactic Clusters; Gravitational Effects; Thermodynamic Equilibrium; Adiabatic Conditions; Galactic Evolution; Kinetic Energy; Numerical Analysis; Temperature Dependence; Astrophysics; COSMOLOGY: THEORY; GALAXIES: CLUSTERING; GALAXIES: FORMATION; GRAVITATION; METHODS: NUMERICAL full text sources ADS |