The Tully--Fisher Relation : A Numerical Simulator's Perspective

Abstract

In this brief contribution, I outline hopes of understanding the origin of galaxy scaling relations using numerical simulations as a tool to gain understanding. The case of the Tully--Fisher relation for disk galaxies is used as an example to illustrate the modest achievements to date and the difficult tasks ahead.

5 pages, 2 epfs figures included. Contribution to the proceedings of 3rd ESO-VLT Workshop "Galaxy Scaling Relations : Origins, Evolution and Applications", Garching, 18-20 November 1996