A scalar field modelling of the rotational curves of spiral galaxies

TL;DR

This paper models spiral galaxy rotation curves using a scalar field approach, introducing a unified potential with three parameters, and emphasizes the coupling of this field to matter, leading to new correlations.

Contribution

It extends previous scalar field models by focusing on matter coupling and proposes a universal potential applicable to all galaxies.

Findings

Establishment of new correlations between galaxy parameters.

A unified scalar field potential applicable across different galaxies.

Enhanced understanding of matter coupling effects in galaxy rotation models.

Abstract

In a previous work \cite{mbeleka}, we have modelled the rotation curves (RC) of spiral galaxies by including in the equation of motion dynamical terms from an external real self-interacting scalar field, $\phi$, minimally coupled to gravity and which respects the equivalence principle in the absence of electromagnetic fields. This model appears to have three free parameters : the turnover radius, $r_{0}$, the maximum rotational velocity, $v_{max} = v(r_{0})$, plus a strictly positive integer, $n$. Here, the coupling of the $\phi$-field to other kinds of matter is emphasized at the expense of its self-interaction. This reformulation presents the very advantageous possibility that the same potential may be used now for all galaxies. New correlations are established.