Clumpy disc and bulge formation

Abstract

We present a set of hydrodynamical/N-body controlled simulations of isolated gas-rich galaxies that self-consistently include supernova (SN) feedback and a detailed chemical evolution model, both tested in cosmological simulations. The initial conditions are motivated by the observed star-forming galaxies at z ? 2-3. We find that the presence of a multiphase interstellar media in our models promotes the growth of disc instability favouring the formation of clumps which, in general, are not easily disrupted on time-scales compared to the migration time. We show that stellar clumps migrate towards the central region and contribute to form a classical-like bulge with a Sérsic index, n > 2. Our physically motivated SN feedback has a mild influence on clump survival and evolution, partially limiting the mass growth of clumps as the energy released per SN event is increased, with the consequent flattening of the bulge profile. This regulation does not prevent the building of a classical-like bulge even for the most energetic feedback tested. Our SN feedback model is able to establish self-regulated star formation, producing mass-loaded outflows and stellar age spreads comparable to observations. We find that the bulge formation by clumps may coexist with other channels of bulge assembly such as bars and mergers. Our results suggest that galactic bulges could be interpreted as composite systems with structural components and stellar populations storing archaeological information of the dynamical history of their galaxy.