Influence of Expansion on Hierarchical Structure

Abstract

We study a one dimensional model of gravitational instability in an Einstein-de Sitter universe. Scaling in both space and time results in an autonomous set of coupled Poisson-Vlasov equations for the field and phase space density, and the $N$-body problem. Using dynamical simulation, we find direct evidence of hierarchical clustering. A multi-fractal analysis reveals a bifractal geometry similar to that observed in the distribution of galaxies. To demonstrate the role of scaling, we compare the system to other one dimensional models recently employed to study structure formation. Finally we show that the model yields an estimate of the time of galaxy formation of the correct order.