Shear Fields and the Evolution of Galactic-Scale Density Peaks

Abstract

We present preliminary results of our investigation into the influence of shear fields on the evolution of galactic scale fluctuations in a primordial Gaussian random density field. Specifically, we study how the matter associated with a galaxy-scale peak evolves, to determine whether the shear can affect the peak's ability to form a virialized structure. We find that the evolution of the mass distribution in the immediate surroundings of $\ge 1\sigma$ initial density peaks is sensitive to the nature and magnitude of the shear. Its final fate and configuration spans a plethora of possibilities, ranging from accretion onto the peak to complete disruption. On the other hand, the mass defining the peak itself always tends to form a virialized object, though a given galaxy-scale peak need not necessarily form only one halo. Furthermore, galaxy-size halos need not necessarily be associated with initial galaxy-scale density peaks. Under certain conditions, the shear field is capable of breaking up a single primordial peak into two (and perhaps, more) distinct halos, or of promoting the growth of smaller-scale peaks into galaxy-size halos.

11 pages Plain Tex, figure available by anonymous fpt to ftp.cita.utoronto.ca in /cita/rien/peakshrlt.1.ps, CITA/93/47

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