Toward the Formation of Realistic Galaxy Disks

TL;DR

This review discusses how recent advances in simulation resolution and feedback modeling improve the realism of galaxy disk formation by accurately representing gas inflows, outflows, and regulation processes.

Contribution

It emphasizes the importance of proper gas treatment and feedback mechanisms in creating more realistic simulated galaxy disks, advancing previous models.

Findings

Enhanced resolution enables better feedback modeling.

Gas inflows and outflows are crucial for realistic disk formation.

Simulations now better match observational data across redshifts.

Abstract

In this review I demonstrate that a realistic model for the formation of galaxy disks depends on a proper treatment of the gas in galaxies. Historically, cosmological simulations of disk galaxy formation have suffered from a lack of resolution and a physically motivated feedback prescription. Recent computational progress has allowed for unprecedented resolution, which in turn allows for a more realistic treatment of feedback. These advances have led to a new examination of gas accretion, evolution, and loss in the formation of galaxy disks. Here I highlight the role that gas inflows, the regulation of gas by feedback, and gas outflows play in achieving simulated disk galaxies that better match observational results as a function of redshift.