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Exploring fundamental physics with small-scale structures

Abstract

One of the goals of theoretical galaxy formation is to use simulations combined with observations in order to constrain the fundamental physics that govern the formation of galaxies. Of particular interest are physical processes that can impact the formation of small-scale structures. Among the things we can potentially constrain with a combination of observations and simulations of small-scale structures are stellar feedback, reionization, and dark matter particle physics. We investigate several promising avenues to constrain fundamental physics with simulations of galaxy formation. First, we use the star formation histories (SFH) for Local Group dwarf galaxies in order to constrain high-redshift stellar mass functions (SMFs). Second, we look at the destruction of substructure around large galaxies, and how it may impact the detection of substructure via subhalo lensing. Finally, we use full hydrodynamics simulations of Local Volume dwarf galaxies in order to investigate the impact of stellar feedback on the age distributions of stars within these galaxies.

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