A family of potential-density pairs for galactic bars

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new family of analytical models for galactic bars that accurately represent their potential and density, including complex structures like boxy/peanut shapes, with accompanying computational tools.

Contribution

The authors develop a novel set of potential-density pairs for barred galaxies, enabling realistic modeling of galactic bars with complex features.

Findings

Models accurately reproduce galactic bar structures

Provided computational tools for potential and density evaluation

Demonstrated applicability with example models

Abstract

We present a family of analytical potential-density pairs for barred discs, which can be combined to describe galactic bars in a realistic way, including boxy/peanut components. We illustrate this with two reasonable compound models. Computer code for the evaluation of potential, forces, density, and projected density is freely provided.