Multi-phase Hydrodynamics and X-ray Clusters Formation

Abstract

We investigate the role of radiative cooling within the core of large X-ray clusters using multi-phase hydrodynamics. We developed for that purpose a spherically symmetric hydrodynamical code, coupled to a "fluid model" that describes accurately the dark matter component. Cooling is included using a self-consistent multi-phase approach, leading to "cooled gas" mass deposition throughout the flow. We simulate the collapse and the subsequent evolution of a Coma-like X-ray cluster, avoiding the well-known "cooling catastrophe". The total mass profile of our simulated cluster is very similar to the "universal" profile proposed by Navarro, Frenk & White (1995). More interestingly, we also obtain a quasi-isothermal temperature profile, which is a direct consequence of multi-phase cooling within such a potential well.