2,172 research outputs found
Inhomogeneous Gravity
We study the inhomogeneous cosmological evolution of the Newtonian
gravitational 'constant' G in the framework of scalar-tensor theories. We
investigate the differences that arise between the evolution of G in the
background universes and in local inhomogeneities that have separated out from
the global expansion. Exact inhomogeneous solutions are found which describe
the effects of masses embedded in an expanding FRW Brans-Dicke universe. These
are used to discuss possible spatial variations of G in different regions. We
develop the technique of matching different scalar-tensor cosmologies of
different spatial curvature at a boundary. This provides a model for the linear
and non-linear evolution of spherical overdensities and inhomogeneities in G.
This allows us to compare the evolution of G and \dot{G} that occurs inside a
collapsing overdense cluster with that in the background universe. We develop a
simple virialisation criterion and apply the method to a realistic lambda-CDM
cosmology containing spherical overdensities. Typically, far slower evolution
of \dot{G} will be found in the bound virialised cluster than in the
cosmological background. We consider the behaviour that occurs in Brans-Dicke
theory and in some other representative scalar-tensor theories.Comment: 15 pages, 15 figures. Submitted to MNRAS. References adde
Determining the Cosmic Distance Scale from Interferometric Measurements of the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich Effect
We determine the distances to 18 galaxy clusters with redshifts ranging from
z~0.14 to z~0.78 from a maximum likelihood joint analysis of 30 GHz
interferometric Sunyaev-Zel'dovich effect (SZE) and X-ray observations. We
model the intracluster medium (ICM) using a spherical isothermal beta model. We
quantify the statistical and systematic uncertainties inherent to these direct
distance measurements, and we determine constraints on the Hubble parameter for
three different cosmologies. These distances imply a Hubble constant of 60 (+4,
-4) (+13, -18) km s-1 Mpc-1 for an Omega_M = 0.3, Omega_Lambda = 0.7 cosmology,
where the uncertainties correspond to statistical followed by systematic at 68%
confidence. With a sample of 18 clusters, systematic uncertainties clearly
dominate. The systematics are observationally approachable and will be
addressed in the coming years through the current generation of X-ray
satellites (Chandra & XMM-Newton) and radio observatories (OVRO, BIMA, & VLA).
Analysis of high redshift clusters detected in future SZE and X-ray surveys
will allow a determination of the geometry of the universe from SZE determined
distances.Comment: ApJ Submitted; 40 pages, 9 figures (fig 3 B&W for size constraint),
13 tables, uses emulateapj5 styl
Effects of Mergers and Core Structure on the Bulk Properties of Nearby Galaxy Clusters
We use morphological measurements and the scatter of clusters about observed
and simulated scaling relations to examine the impact of merging and
core-related phenomena on the structure of galaxy clusters. All relations
constructed from emission-weighted mean temperature and intracluster medium
mass, X-ray luminosity, isophotal size, or near-IR luminosity show a separation
between cool core (CC) and non-cool core (NCC) clusters. We attribute this
partially to a temperature bias in CC clusters, and partially to other cool
core-related structural changes. We attempt to minimize CC/NCC separation in
scaling relations by applying a uniform scale factor to CC cluster temperatures
and determining the scale factor for each relation that minimizes the
separation between CC and NCC populations, and by introducing central surface
brightness as a third parameter in relations. The latter approach reduces
scatter in relations more than temperature scaling. We compare the scatter
within subsamples split by CC/NCC and morphological merger indicators. CC
clusters and clusters with less substructure generally exhibit higher scatter
about relations. The larger structural variations in CC clusters exit well
outside the core, suggesting that a process more global than core radiative
instability is at work. Simulations without cooling mechanisms also show no
correlation between substructure and larger scatter about relations, indicating
that any merger-related scatter increases are subtle. The results indicate that
cool core related phenomena, not merging processes, are the primary contributor
to scatter in scaling relations. Our analysis does not appear to support the
scenario in which clusters evolve cool cores over time unless they experience
major mergers. (Abridged)Comment: 18 pages, 17 figures; minor changes to text to match accepted
version. To appear in Ap
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Highly Oxygenated Organic Molecules (HOM) from Gas-Phase Autoxidation Involving Peroxy Radicals: A Key Contributor to Atmospheric Aerosol
Highly oxygenated organic molecules (HOM) are formed in the atmosphere via autoxidation involving peroxy radicals arising from volatile organic compounds (VOC). HOM condense on pre-existing particles and can be involved in new particle formation. HOM thus contribute to the formation of secondary organic aerosol (SOA), a significant and ubiquitous component of atmospheric aerosol known to affect the Earth's radiation balance. HOM were discovered only very recently, but the interest in these compounds has grown rapidly. In this Review, we define HOM and describe the currently available techniques for their identification/quantification, followed by a summary of the current knowledge on their formation mechanisms and physicochemical properties. A main aim is to provide a common frame for the currently quite fragmented literature on HOM studies. Finally, we highlight the existing gaps in our understanding and suggest directions for future HOM research. © 2019 American Chemical Society
Galaxy Cluster Gas Mass Fractions from Sunyaev-Zel'dovich Effect Measurements: Constraints on Omega_M
Using sensitive centimeter-wave receivers mounted on the Owens Valley Radio
Observatory and Berkeley-Illinois-Maryland-Association millimeter arrays, we
have obtained interferometric measurements of the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich (SZ)
effect toward massive galaxy clusters. We use the SZ data to determine the
pressure distribution of the cluster gas and, in combination with published
X-ray temperatures, to infer the gas mass and total gravitational mass of 18
clusters. The gas mass fraction, f_g, is calculated for each cluster, and is
extrapolated to the fiducial radius r_{500} using the results of numerical
simulations. The mean f_g within r_{500} is 0.081+0.009 -0.011/(h_{100}
(statistical uncertainty at 68% confidence level, assuming OmegaM=0.3,
OmegaL=0.7). We discuss possible sources of systematic errors in the mean f_g
measurement. We derive an upper limit for OmegaM from this sample under the
assumption that the mass composition of clusters within r_{500} reflects the
universal mass composition: Omega_M h < Omega_B/f_g. The gas mass fractions
depend on cosmology through the angular diameter distance and the r_{500}
correction factors.
For a flat universe (OmegaL = 1 - OmegaM) and h=0.7, we find the measured gas
mass fractions are consistent with Omegam less than 0.40, at 68% confidence.
Including estimates of the baryons contained in galaxies and the baryons which
failed to become bound during the cluster formation process, we find OmegaM
\~0.25.Comment: 20 pages, 4 figures (1 color), submitted to Astrophysical Journal
Uses emulateapj5.st
Colour reconnection in e+e- -> W+W- at sqrt(s) = 189 - 209 GeV
The effects of the final state interaction phenomenon known as colour
reconnection are investigated at centre-of-mass energies in the range sqrt(s) ~
189-209 GeV using the OPAL detector at LEP. Colour reconnection is expected to
affect observables based on charged particles in hadronic decays of W+W-.
Measurements of inclusive charged particle multiplicities, and of their angular
distribution with respect to the four jet axes of the events, are used to test
models of colour reconnection. The data are found to exclude extreme scenarios
of the Sjostrand-Khoze Type I (SK-I) model and are compatible with other
models, both with and without colour reconnection effects. In the context of
the SK-I model, the best agreement with data is obtained for a reconnection
probability of 37%. Assuming no colour reconnection, the charged particle
multiplicity in hadronically decaying W bosons is measured to be (nqqch) =
19.38+-0.05(stat.)+-0.08 (syst.).Comment: 30 pages, 9 figures, Submitted to Euro. Phys. J.
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