Quadruple-peaked Line-of-sight Velocity Distributions in Shell Galaxies

TL;DR

This paper derives an analytical model for the line-of-sight velocity distribution in shell galaxies, linking observable features to galaxy mass distribution, and validates it with simulation data.

Contribution

It introduces a simple analytical expression for the velocity profile in shell galaxies, enhancing understanding of their kinematic signatures.

Findings

Analytical expression accurately predicts velocity profiles.

Model matches simulation results.

Provides a tool for mass distribution inference.

Abstract

We present an improved study of the expected shape of the line-of-sight velocity distribution in shell galaxies. We found a simple analytical expression connecting prominent and in principle observable characteristics of the line profile and mass-distribution of the galaxy. The prediction was compared with the results from a test-particle simulation of a radial merger.