Angular momentum redistribution and the evolution and morphology of bars

E. Athanassoula

Published 2003-02-25Version 1

Angular momentum exchange is a driving process for the evolution of barred galaxies. Material at resonance in the bar region loses angular momentum which is taken by material at resonance in the outer disc and/or the halo. By losing angular momentum, the bar grows stronger and slows down. This evolution scenario is backed by both analytical calculations and by $N$-body simulations. The morphology of the bar also depends on the amount of angular momentum exchanged.