paper

Global Dynamical Evolution of the ISM in Star Forming Galaxies - I. High Resolution 3D HD and MHD Simulations: Effect of the Magnetic Field

arXiv:astro-ph/0502327 · doi:10.1051/0004-6361:20042146

Abstract

In star forming disk galaxies, matter circulation between stars and the interstellar gas, and, in particular the energy input by random and clustered supernova explosions, determine the dynamical and chemical evolution of the ISM, and hence of the galaxy as a whole. Using a 3D MHD code with adaptive mesh refinement developed for this purpose, we have investigated the rôle of magnetized matter circulation between the gaseous disk and the surrounding galactic halo. Special emphasis has been put on the effect of the magnetic field with respect to the volume and mass fractions of the different ISM ``phases'', the relative importance of ram, thermal and magnetic pressures, and whether the field can prevent matter transport from the disk into the halo. The simulations were performed on a grid with an area of 1 kpc, centered on the solar circle, extending kpc perpendicular to the galactic disk with a resolution as high as 1.25 pc. The simulations were run for a time scale of 400 Myr, sufficiently long to avoid memory effects of the initial setup, and to allow for a global dynamical equilibrium to be reached in case of a constant energy input rate. (...) We find that in general gas transport into the halo in 3D is not prevented by an initial disk parallel magnetic field, but only delayed initially, for as long as it is needed to punch holes into the thick magnetized gas disk. The mean volume filling factor of the hot phase in the disk is similar in HD and MHD (the latter with a total field strength of 4.4 G) runs, amounting to for the Galactic supernova rate.

Paper accepted for publication in A&A (31 Jan); 17 pages with 10 Figures including 6 images and 16 plots (all in low quality jpeg files). For better resolution images contact the authors

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