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F. Bournaud

Publications and source records attributed to F. Bournaud.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
arXiv2010

Formation of slowly rotating early-type galaxies via major mergers: a Resolution Study

We study resolution effects in numerical simulations of gas-rich and gas-poor major mergers, and show that the formation of slowly-rotating elliptical galaxies often requires a resolution that is beyond the present-day standards to be properly modelled. Our sample of equal-mass merger models encompasses various masses and spatial resolutions, ranging from about 200pc and 10^5 particles per component, typical of some recently published major merger simulations, to up to 32pc and 10^3 M_sun in simulations using 2.4 x 10^7 collisionless particles and 1.2 x 10^7 gas particles, among the highest resolutions reached so far for gas-rich major merger of massive disc galaxies. We find that the formation of fast-rotating early-type galaxies, that are flattened by a significant residual rotation, is overall correctly reproduced at all such resolutions. However, the formation of slow-rotating early-type galaxies, which have a low residual angular momentum and are supported mostly by anisotropic velocity dispersions, is strongly resolution-dependent. The evacuation of angular momentum from the main stellar body is largely missed at standard resolution, and systems that should be slow rotators are then found to be fast rotators. The effect is most important for gas-rich mergers, but is also witnessed in mergers with an absent or modest gas component. The effect is robust with respect to our initial conditions and interaction orbits, and originates in the physical treatment of the relaxation process during the coalescence of the galaxies. Our findings show that a high-enough resolution is required to accurately model the global properties of merger remnants and the evolution of their angular momentum. The role of gas-rich mergers of spiral galaxies in the formation of slow-rotating ellipticals may therefore have been underestimated.

astro-ph.CO↗
arXiv2010

Different star formation laws for disks versus starbursts at low and high redshifts

We present evidence that 'bona fide' disks and starburst systems occupy distinct regions in the gas mass versus star formation (SF) rate plane, both for the integrated quantities and for the respective surface densities. This result is based on CO observations of galaxy populations at low and high redshifts, and on the current consensus for the CO luminosity to gas mass conversion factors. The data suggest the existence of two different star formation regimes: a long-lasting mode for disks and a more rapid mode for starbursts, the latter probably occurring during major mergers or in dense nuclear SF regions. Both modes are observable over a large range of SF rates. The detection of CO emission from distant near-IR selected galaxies reveals such bimodal behavior for the first time, as they allow us to probe gas in disk galaxies with much higher SF rates than are seen locally. The different regimes can potentially be interpreted as the effect of a top-heavy IMF in starbursts. However, we favor a different physical origin related to the fraction of molecular gas in dense clouds. The IR luminosity to gas mass ratio (i.e., the SF efficiency) appears to be inversely proportional to the dynamical (rotation) timescale. Only when accounting for the dynamical timescale, a universal SF law is obtained, suggesting a direct link between global galaxy properties and the local SF rate.

astro-ph.CO↗
arXiv2010

Very High Gas Fractions and Extended Gas Reservoirs in z=1.5 Disk Galaxies

We present evidence for very high gas fractions and extended molecular gas reservoirs in normal, near-infrared selected (BzK) galaxies at z~1.5, based on multi-configuration CO[2-1] observations obtained at the IRAM PdBI. Six of the six galaxies observed were securely detected. High resolution observations resolve the CO emission in four of them, implying sizes of order of 6-11 kpc and suggesting the presence of rotation. The UV morphologies are consistent with clumpy, unstable disks, and the UV sizes are consistent with the CO sizes. The star formation efficiencies are homogeneously low and similar to local spirals - the resulting gas depletion times are ~0.5 Gyr, much higher than what is seen in high-z submm galaxies and quasars. The CO luminosities can be predicted to within 0.15 dex from the star formation rates and stellar masses, implying a tight correlation of the gas mass with these quantities. We use dynamical models of clumpy disk galaxies to derive dynamical masses. These models are able to reproduce the peculiar spectral line shapes of the CO emission. After accounting for the stellar and dark matter masses we derive gas masses of 0.4-1.2x10^11 Msun. The conversion factor is very high: alpha_CO=3.6+-0.8, consistent with the Galaxy but four times higher than that of local ultra-luminous IR galaxies. The gas accounts for an impressive 50-65% of the baryons within the galaxies' half light radii. We are witnessing truly gas-dominated galaxies at z~1.5, a finding that explains the high specific SFRs observed for z>1 galaxies. The BzK galaxies can be viewed as scaled-up versions of local disk galaxies, with low efficiency star formation taking place inside extended, low excitation gas disks. They are markedly different than local ULIRGs and high-z submm galaxies, which have more excited and compact gas.

astro-ph.CO↗
arXiv2010

High molecular gas fractions in normal massive star forming galaxies in the young Universe

Stars form from cold molecular interstellar gas. Since this is relatively rare in the local Universe, galaxies like the Milky Way form only a few new stars per year. Typical massive galaxies in the distant Universe formed stars an order of magnitude more rapidly. Unless star formation was significantly more efficient, this difference suggests that young galaxies were much more gas rich. Molecular gas observations in the distant Universe have so far been largely restricted to very luminous, rare objects, including mergers and quasars. Here we report the results of a systematic survey of molecular gas in samples of typical massive star forming galaxies at ~1.2 and 2.3, when the Universe was 40% and 24% of its current age. Our measurements provide empirical evidence that distant star forming galaxies indeed were gas rich, and that the star formation efficiency is not strongly dependent on cosmic epoch. The average fraction of cold gas relative to total galaxy baryonic mass at z= 2.3 and z=1.2 is ~44% and 34%, three to ten times higher than in today's massive spiral galaxies. The slow decrease between z~2 and 1 probably requires a mechanism of semi-continuous replenishment of fresh gas to the young galaxies.

astro-ph.CO↗
arXiv2009

An HI view of the on-going assembly of early-type galaxies: present and future observations

We present a preliminary analysis of the HI properties of early-type galaxies in the ATLAS3D sample. Using WSRT data for ~100 galaxies outside the Virgo cluster and data from the Alfalfa project for galaxies inside Virgo, we discuss the dependence of HI properties on environment. We detect HI in about half of the galaxies outside Virgo. For these systems, the HI morphology and kinematics change as a function of environment, going from regular, rotating systems around isolated galaxies to progressively more disturbed structures for galaxies with neighbours or in groups. In denser environment, inside Virgo, nearly none of the galaxies contains HI. We discuss future work in this field which will be enabled by next-generation, pre-SKA radio instruments. We present a simulated Apertif HI observation of an ATLAS3D early-type galaxy, showing how its appearance and detection level vary as a function of redshift.

astro-ph.CO↗
arXiv2009

How ubiquitous are massive starbursts in interacting galaxies?

Many evidences exist for a connection between galaxy interactions and induced star formation. However, a large range of responses of galaxies to tidal interactions is found, both in observations and in numerical simulations. We will discuss some recent results obtained analysing a large sample (~ 1000) of simulations of interacting pairs and their agreement with the most recent observational works.

astro-ph.CO↗
arXiv2009

Simulations of galactic disks including an additional dark baryonic component

The near proportionality between HI and dark matter in outer galactic disks prompted us to run N-body simulations of galactic disks in which the observed gas content is supplemented by a dark gas component representing between zero and five times the visible gas content. While adding baryons in the disk of galaxies may solve some issues, it poses the problem of disk stability. We show that the global stability is ensured if the ISM is multiphased, composed of two partially coupled phases, a visible warm gas phase and a weakly collisionless cold dark phase corresponding to a fraction of the unseen baryons. The phases are subject to stellar and UV background heating and gas cooling, and their transformation into each other is studied as a function of the coupling strength. This new model, which still possesses a dark matter halo, fits the rotation curves as well as the classical CDM halos, but is the only one to explain the existence of an open and contrasting spiral structure, as observed in the outer HI disks

astro-ph.GA↗
arXiv2009

Physical conditions in the ISM of intensely star-forming galaxies at redshift~2

We analyze the physical conditions in the interstellar gas of 11 actively star-forming galaxies at z~2, based on integral-field spectroscopy from the ESO-VLT and HST/NICMOS imaging. We concentrate on the high H-alpha surface brightnesses, large line widths, line ratios and the clumpy nature of these galaxies. We show that photoionization calculations and emission line diagnostics imply gas pressures and densities that are similar to the most intense nearby star-forming regions at z=0 but over much larger scales (10-20 kpc). A relationship between surface brightness and velocity dispersion can be explained through simple energy injection arguments and a scaling set by nearby galaxies with no free parameters. The high velocity dispersions are a natural consequence of intense star formation thus regions of high velocity dispersion are not evidence for mass concentrations such as bulges or rings. External mechanisms like cosmological gas accretion generally do not have enough energy to sustain the high velocity dispersions. In some cases, the high pressures and low gas metallicites may make it difficult to robustly distinguish between AGN ionization cones and star formation, as we show for BzK-15504 at z=2.38. We construct a picture where the early stages of galaxy evolution are driven by self-gravity which powers strong turbulence until the velocity dispersion is high. Then massive, dense, gas-rich clumps collapse, triggering star formation with high efficiencies and intensities as observed. At this stage, the intense star formation is likely self-regulated by the mechanical energy output of massive stars.

astro-ph.CO↗
arXiv2008

On the frequency, intensity and duration of starburst episodes triggered by galaxy interactions and mergers

We investigate the intensity enhancement and the duration of starburst episodes, triggered by major galaxy interactions and mergers. To this aim, we analyze two large statistical datasets of numerical simulations. These have been obtained using two independent and different numerical techniques to model baryonic and dark matter evolution, that are extensively compared for the first time. One is a Tree-SPH code, the other one is a grid-based N-body sticky-particles code. We show that, at low redshift, galaxy interactions and mergers in general trigger only moderate star formation enhancements. Strong starbursts where the star formation rate is increased by a factor larger than 5 are rare and found only in about 15% of major galaxy interactions and mergers. Merger-driven starbursts are also rather short-lived, with a typical duration of the activity of a few 10^8 yr. These conclusions are found to be robust, independent from the numerical techniques and star formation models. At higher redshifts where galaxies contain more gas, gas inflow-induced starbursts are neither stronger neither longer than their local counterparts. In turn, the formation of massive gas clumps, results of local Jeans instability that can occur spontaneously in gas-rich disks or be indirectly favored by galaxy interactions, could play a more important role in determining the duration and intensity of star formation episodes.

astro-ph↗
arXiv2008

Galaxy mergers at high resolution: From elliptical galaxies to tidal dwarfs and globular clusters

Numerical simulations of galaxy mergers are a powerful tool to study these fundamental events in the hierarchical built-up of galaxies. Recent progress have been made owing to improved modeling, increased resolution and large statistical samples. We present here the highest-resolution models of mergers performed so far. The formation of a variety of substructures ranging from kinematically decoupled cores to globular-like clusters is directly resolved. In a resolution study, we show that the large-scale structure of elliptical-like merger remnants can be affected by the resolution, and a too modest resolution may affect the numerical predictions on the properties of major merger remnants: understanding precisely which kind of event or succession of events has formed the various types of elliptical galaxies remains an open challenge.

astro-ph↗
arXiv2008

High-resolution simulations of galaxy mergers: Resolving globular cluster formation

Massive star clusters observed in galaxy mergers are often suggested to be progenitors of globular clusters. To study this hypothesis, we performed the highest resolution simulation of a gas-rich galaxy merger so far. The formation of massive star clusters of 10^5 to 10^7 Mo, triggered by the galaxy interaction, is directly resolved in this model. We show that these clusters are tightly bound structures with little net rotation, due to evolve into compact long-lived stellar systems. Massive clusters formed in galaxy mergers are thus robust candidates for progenitors of long-lived globular clusters. The simulated cluster mass spectrum is consistent with theory and observations. Tidal dwarf galaxies of 10^8-9 Mo can form at the same time, and appear to be part of a different class of objects, being more extended and rotating.

astro-ph↗
arXiv2008

Observations and modelling of a clumpy galaxy at z=1.6: Spectroscopic clues to the origin and evolution of chain galaxies

We investigate the properties of a clump-cluster galaxy at redshift 1.57. The morphology of this galaxy is dominated by eight star-forming clumps in optical observations, and has photometric properties typical of most clump-cluster and chain galaxies. Its complex asymmetrical morphology has led to the suggestion that this system is a group merger of several initially separate proto-galaxies. We performed H_alpha integral field spectroscopy of this system using SINFONI on VLT UT4. These observations reveal a large-scale velocity gradient throughout the system, but with large local kinematic disturbances. Using a numerical model of gas-rich disk fragmentation, we find that clump interactions and migration can account for the observed disturbed rotation. On the other hand, the global rotation would not be expected for a multiply merging system. We further find that this system follows the stellar mass vs. metallicity, star formation rate and size relations expected for a disk at this redshift, and exhibits a disk-like radial metallicity gradient, so that the scenario of internal disk fragmentation is the most likely one. A red and metallic central concentration appears to be a bulge in this proto-spiral clumpy galaxy. A chain galaxy at redshift 2.07 in the same field also shows disk-like rotation. Such systems are likely progenitors of the present-day bright spiral galaxies, forming their exponential disks through clump migration and disruption and fueling their bulges. Our present results show that disturbed morphologies and kinematics are not necessarily signs of galaxy mergers and interactions, and can instead result from the internal evolution of primordial disks.

astro-ph↗
arXiv2008

Simulations of galactic disks including a dark baryonic component

$Λ$CDM numerical simulations predict that the "missing baryons" reside in a Warm-Hot gas phase in the over-dense cosmic filaments. However, there are now several theoretical and observational arguments that support the fact that galactic disks may be more massive than usually thought, containing a substantial fraction of the "missing baryons". Hereafter, we present new N-body simulations of galactic disks, where the gas content has been multiplied by a factor 5. The stability of the disk is ensured by assuming that the ISM is composed out of two partially coupled phases, a warm phase, corresponding the observed CO and HI gas and a cold collisionless phase corresponding to the unseen baryons.

astro-ph↗
arXiv2007

Rapid formation of exponential disks and bulges at high redshift from the dynamical evolution of clump cluster and chain galaxies

Many galaxies at high redshift have peculiar morphologies dominated by 10^8-10^9 Mo kpc-sized clumps. Using numerical simulations, we show that these "clump clusters" can result from fragmentation in gravitationally unstable primordial disks. They appear as "chain galaxies" when observed edge-on. In less than 1 Gyr, clump formation, migration, disruption, and interaction with the disk cause these systems to evolve from initially uniform disks into regular spiral galaxies with an exponential or double-exponential disk profile and a central bulge. The inner exponential is the initial disk size and the outer exponential is from material flung out by spiral arms and clump torques. A nuclear black hole may form at the same time as the bulge from smaller black holes that grow inside the dense cores of each clump. The properties and lifetimes of the clumps in our models are consistent with observations of the clumps in high redshift galaxies, and the stellar motions in our models are consistent with the observed velocity dispersions and lack of organized rotation in chain galaxies. We suggest that violently unstable disks are the first step in spiral galaxy formation. The associated starburst activity gives a short timescale for the initial stellar disk to form.

astro-ph↗
arXiv2007

Missing Mass in Collisional Debris from Galaxies

Recycled dwarf galaxies can form in the collisional debris of massive galaxies. Theoretical models predict that, contrary to classical galaxies, they should be free of non-baryonic Dark Matter. Analyzing the observed gas kinematics of such recycled galaxies with the help of a numerical model, we demonstrate that they do contain a massive dark component amounting to about twice the visible matter. Staying within the standard cosmological framework, this result most likely indicates the presence of large amounts of unseen, presumably cold, molecular gas. This additional mass should be present in the disks of their progenitor spiral galaxies, accounting for a significant part of the so-called missing baryons.

astro-ph↗
arXiv2006

An almost head-on collision as the origin of two off-centre rings in the Andromeda galaxy

The unusual morphology of the Andromeda Spiral (Messier 31, the closest spiral galaxy to the Milky Way) has long been an enigma. Although regarded for decades as showing little evidence of a violent history, M~31 has a well-known outer ring of star formation at a radius of 10 kpc whose center is offset from the galaxy nucleus. In addition, the outer galaxy disk is warped as seen at both optical and radio wavelengths. The halo contains numerous loops and ripples. Here we report the discovery, based on analysis of previously-obtained data, of a second, inner dust ring with projected dimensions 1.5 by 1 kpc and offset by ~0.5kpc from the center of the galaxy. The two rings appear to be density waves propagating in the disk. Numerical simulations offer a completely new interpretation for the morphology of M31: both rings result from a companion galaxy plunging head-on through the center of the disk of M31. The most likely interloper is M32. Head-on collisions between galaxies are rare, but it appears nonetheless that one took place 210 million years ago in our Local Group of galaxies.

astro-ph↗
arXiv2006

From Tidal Dwarf Galaxies to Satellite Galaxies

Cosmological models have granted dwarf galaxies a key role: their properties constrain the distribution of dark matter and the physical evolution of their hosts. There is increasing evidence that objects with masses of dwarf galaxies form in the tidal tails of colliding galaxies and speculations that they could become satellite-like galaxies around their progenitors and thus be cosmologically important. Yet, whether these "Tidal Dwarf Galaxies" (TDGs) candidates are really long-lived and not only present in young interacting systems is still an open question to which numerical simulations may give answers. We present a set of 96 simulations of colliding galaxies with various mass ratios and encounter geometries, and statistically study the evolution of their TDG candidates. Among the 593 substructures initially identified in tidal tails, about 75% fall back onto their progenitor or are disrupted in a few 10^8 years. The remaining 25% become long-lived bound objects that typically survive more than 2Gyr with masses above 10^8 M_sun. These long-lived, satellite-like objects, are found to form in the outer most regions of the tidal tails. We infer several basic properties that dwarf galaxies should meet to have a tidal origin and apply these criteria to the Local Group dwarfs. We also find that the presence of TDGs would foster the anisotropy observed in the distribution of satellite galaxies around their host. Identifying the conditions required for interacting systems to form long-lived tidal dwarfs, we roughly estimate their contribution to the overall population of dwarfs. We conclude that a small but significant fraction of them - typically a few percent, and possibly more in dense environments or around early-type galaxies - could be of tidal origin.

astro-ph↗