Jerry A. Sellwood studies the dynamics of galactic disks, including the origin and evolution of spiral density waves. His review with Karen L. Masters compares observations, dynamical theory and simulations of recurring spiral patterns.
The review emphasizes a physical feedback: transient spiral activity increases random stellar motion, which can make further spiral activity harder to sustain. A dissipative gas component can alter that evolution. This connects the visible shape of a spiral galaxy to the changing dynamical state of its stars and gas, rather than treating the arms as a permanently fixed decoration.[ref]
Spirals in Galaxies by Jerry A. Sellwood and Karen L. Masters. Abstract: self-excited patterns, random motion and the role of dissipative gas
Portrait of Jerry A. Sellwood
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