[Previous] | [Session 7] | [Next]

[7.02] Dynamical constraints to the thickness of the fundamental plane

M. Stiavelli (STScI)

I have carried out a set of N-body simulations of the formation of elliptical galaxies to investigate the thickness of the fundamental plane arising from both dynamical and projection effects. The minimum thickness arising from projection effects of an individual triaxial galaxy is typically 0.05-0.15 dex peak to peak in Log Re. Different initial conditions lead to different dynamical configurations which will further increase this minimum thickness. It appears likely that observational constraints on the thickness of the plane could be used to rule out some, otherwise acceptable, equilibrium models for elliptical galaxies.