Star formation and structure formation in galaxy collisions
F. Bournaud
A number of theoretical and simulation results on star and structure
formation in galaxy interactions and mergers is reviewed, and recent
hydrodynamic simulations are presented. The role of gravity torques and
ISM turbulence in galaxy interactions, in addition to the tidal field,
is highlighted. Interactions can drive gas inflows towards the central
kpc and trigger a central starburst, the intensity and statistical
properties of which are discussed. A kinematically decoupled core and a
supermassive central black hole can be fueled. Outside of the central
kpc, many structures can form inside tidal tails, collisional ring,
bridges, including super star clusters and tidal dwarf galaxies. The
formation of super star clusters in galaxy mergers can now be directly
resolved in hydrodynamic simulations. Their formation mechanisms and
long-term evolution are reviewed, and the connection with present-day
early-type galaxies is discussed.