Semi-analytic modelling of galaxy formation: the local Universe

Abstract

Using semi-analytic models of galaxy formation, we investigate galaxy properties such as the TullyFisher relation, the B-and K-band LFs, cold gas contents, sizes, metallicities and colours, and compare our results with observations of local galaxies. We investigate several different recipes for star formation and supernova feedback, including choices that are similar to the treatment by Kauffmann, White & Guiderdoni and Cole et al., as well as some new recipes. We obtain good agreement with all of the key local observations mentioned above. In particular, in our best models, we simultaneously produce good agreement with both the observed B-and K-band LFs and the I-band TullyFisher relation. Improved cooling and supernova feedback modelling, inclusion of dust extinction and an improved PressSchechter model all contribute to this success. We present results for several variants of the CDM family of cosmologies, and find that models with values of V 0 . 0X30X5 give the best agreement with observations.