Abstract
Computer simulations are performed which suggest that narrow intergalactic filaments can be produced by tidal forces. A fixed potential perturber passes a self-gravitating disk of stars in a nearly parabolic orbit. Due to their large velocity dispersion, the stars which are pulled out by the tide form only an amorphous cloud. The gas clouds are simulated by a disk of points of zero mass, zero velocity dispersion superimposed on the stellar disk. The ‘gas clouds’ form remarkably long, narrow filaments; but not so narrow as the narrowest filaments observed.
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Clutton-Brock, M. How are intergalactic filaments made?. Astrophys Space Sci 17, 292–324 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00642902
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00642902