Analytic Formation of Dark Matter Halos: Confrontation with Simulations and Observations

AST-0307604

Williams

Understanding the physics governing the formation of the equilibrium structure of dark matter halos that host galaxies and clusters of galaxies is currently one of the great challenges of theoretical cosmology. This is a comprehensive research program to identify the main dynamical processes that determine the properties of the observed dark matter halos. It involves an innovative approach using ultra-high-resolution numerical N-body studies and a physically insightful analytic halo formation model building on the seminal work by Ryden & Gunn. Using these complementary approaches in tandem, the researchers will focus on the connection between cosmological initial conditions and key physical processes, explore the role of the local environment (such as tidal torques), study rare halos forming from atypical but allowed conditions, and attempt to reverse engineer halo formation to sort out which initial conditions and dynamical mechanisms are responsible for real, observed halos.

To try to encourage understanding of dark matter halos at all levels of education and research, all of the programs developed for the analytical procedure will be made publicly available, which should represent a powerful educational opportunity. In this way, students will be encouraged to develop a physical intuition about somewhat obscure notions in dynamical analysis. The involvement of graduate and undergraduate students in the actual research is eagerly supported.

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