Discrete spiral modes in disk galaxies: Some numerical examples based on density wave theory

摘要

Discrete growing spiral modes are calculated, on the basis of principles of stellar dynamics, according to the recently developed asymptotic theory of density waves for spiral structure in galaxies. From the growth rates obtained, it appears likely that several spiral modes coexist in a given disk galaxy. General properties of these modes are described for two galaxy models, and some of their important observational implications are discussed.