Self-consistent Simulations of Ring Galaxies

Abstract

We have run a series of simulations to explore the collision model for the formation of ring galaxies (Lynds and Toomre, 1976, Toomre, 1978). It is possible to choose collision parameters to reproduce various characteristics of observed systems. We present choices which (i) lead to double ring systems in which the primary and secondary rings are in different planes and (ii) generate spokes connecting the nucleus to the primary ring, sometimes crossing it and joining up with external spired features. The latter are frequently tightly wound so that part of the ring appears to be double. Some models resemble the Lindsay-Shapley ring AM 0644-741. (In referrring to observed systems we use the notation of Arp and Madore, 1987. The galaxies mentioned were selected from those listed by Few and Madore, 1986).