Modified-Entropy Models for the Intracluster Medium

Details Modified-Entropy Models for the Intracluster Medium Modified-Entropy Models for the Intracluster Medium

2002-05-16

arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0205240v1

Astrophys.J. 576 (2002) 601-624

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

Accepted to ApJ (24 pages, 31 figures)

Scientific paper

10.1086/341864

We present a set of cluster models that link the present-day properties of clusters to the processes that govern galaxy formation. These models treat the entropy distribution of the intracluster medium as its most fundamental property. Because convection strives to establish an entropy gradient that rises with radius, the observable properties of a relaxed cluster depend entirely on its dark-matter potential and the entropy distribution of its uncondensed gas. Guided by simulations, we compute the intracluster entropy distribution that arises in the absence of radiative cooling and supernova heating by assuming that the gas-density distribution would be identical to that of the dark matter. The lowest-entropy gas would then fall below a critical entropy threshold at which the cooling time equals a Hubble time. Radiative cooling and whatever feedback is associated with it must modify the entropy of that low-entropy gas, changing the overall entropy distribution function and thereby altering the observable properties of the cluster. Using some phenomenological prescriptions for entropy modification based on the existence of this cooling threshold, we construct a remarkably realistic set of cluster models. The surface-brightness profiles, mass-temperature relation, and luminosity-temperature relation of observed clusters all naturally emerge from these models. By introducing a single adjustable parameter related to the amount of intracluster gas that can cool within a Hubble time, we can also reproduce the observed temperature gradients of clusters and the deviations of cooling-flow clusters from the standard luminosity-temperature relation.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Modified-Entropy Models for the Intracluster Medium does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Modified-Entropy Models for the Intracluster Medium, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Modified-Entropy Models for the Intracluster Medium will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-238824