Computer simulations of environmental influences on galaxy evolution in dense clusters. I - Ram-pressure stripping

Abstract

N-body computer simulations of ram-pressure stripping of flat galaxies were performed to explain its effect in transforming spiral galaxies into SO systems in dense galaxy clusters. The models comprise 1000 softened point stars and 100 diffuse clouds rotating as an equilibrium disk in the spherical potential of a stabilizing 'dark' halo. It was found under a wide range of stripping conditions that the ejection of a considerable amount of gas component disrupts and thickens the outer galaxy disk; these simulations show that ram-pressure stripping alone is not an adequate mechanism for transforming spiral galaxies into SO types.