Modelling Galaxies with a Multi-Phase ISM in 3d

Abstract

We present a modified TREESPH code to model galaxies in 3d. The model includes a multi-phase description of the interstellar medium which combines two numerical techniques. A diffuse warm/hot gas phase is modelled by SPH while a sticky particle scheme is used to represent a cloudy medium. Interaction processes, such as star formation and feedback, cooling and mixing by condensation and evaporation, are taken into account. Here we apply our model to the evolution of a Milky Way type galaxy. After an initial stage, a quasi-equilibrium state is reached. It is characterised by a star formation rate of ~1 M_sun/year. Condensation and evaporation rates are in balance at 0.1-1 M_sun/year.

6 pages, 7 figures, Refereed contribution to the 5th Galactic Chemodynamics conference held in Swinburne, July 2003. Accepted for publication in PASA