Collaborative Research: Dark Matter Halo and Supermassive Black Hole Formation

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AST-0407351MaThis project will investigate the formation and evolution of dark matter halos and supermassive black holes. It advances a cosmological kinetic theory for the formation and relaxation of dark matter halos in hierarchical models of structure formation based on cold dark matter. Substructure and mergers are followed in a statistical way. The theory will be developed into the fully nonlinear regime and compared to N-body simulations, leading to a deeper understanding of the physics of dark matter dynamics. Work will focus on important, timely issues of galactic structure with a level of detail that is both tractable and essential for advancing the understanding of the role of dark matter in galaxy formation. Both of the main investigators have won awards for teaching, and this research will involve both high school students and undergraduates. An intensive five-week summer research institute focuses the attention of high school participants. Any developed computer codes will be made publicly available.