Dr. Christos Vozikis
Research Assosiate, Ph.D.
Tel: +30 31 99 5383, Fax: +30 31 99 5384, e-mail:
chriss@astro.auth.gr
Publication Abstracts
Evolution of spiral structure in an interacting triple galactic system
I. M31 type systems
Ch. L. Vozikis and N. D. Caranicolas
1994, Astronomy and Astrophysics, 288, 448
Abstract
We investigate the effect of two small companion galaxies
in the creation and evolution of spiral arms in a disk galaxy.
Both companions move in circular orbits around the main galaxy.
Using a two dimensional self-consistent computer simulation code
we find that, when there is only one companion, one
leading or two trailing spiral arms are formed, depending
on the rotation of the companion (retrograde or
direct respectively). In the case of two companion
galaxies, when the companions move
in opposite directions, three spiral arms are formed,
one leading and two trailing. The appearance of the
above structure suggests that each companion
acts independently on the main disk galaxy.
The created spiral arms may intersect each other,
resulting to the disappearance of the weaker arm.
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