Dark halo mergers and the formation of a universal profile

Details Dark halo mergers and the formation of a universal profile Dark halo mergers and the formation of a universal profile

1996-11-08

arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/9611065v2

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

(replacement attempts to coerce auto-generation to include figure labels missing in original) 6 pages, tex, with figures, subm

Scientific paper

We argue that a universal density profile for dark matter halos arises as a natural consequence of hierarchical structure formation. It is a fixed point in the process of repeated mergers. We present analytic and numerical arguments for the emergence of a particular form of the profile. At small radii, the density should vary as $r^{-\alpha}$, with $\alpha$ determined by the way the characteristic density of halos scales with their mass. If small halos are dense, then $\alpha$ is large. The mass-density relation can be related to the power spectrum of initial fluctuations, $P(k)$, through `formation time' arguments. Early structure formation leads to steep cusps. For $P(k)\sim k^n$ we find $\alpha\simeq 3(3+n)/(5+n)$. The universal profile is generated by tidal stripping of small halos as they merge with larger objects.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Dark halo mergers and the formation of a universal profile 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 Dark halo mergers and the formation of a universal profile, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Dark halo mergers and the formation of a universal profile will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-290853