The EAGLE simulations of galaxy formation: calibration of subgrid physics and model variations

We present results from 13 cosmological simulations that explore the parameter space of the 'Evolution and Assembly of GaLaxies and their Environments' (EAGLE) simulation project. Four of the simulations follow the evolution of a periodic cube L = 50 cMpc on a side, and each employs a different subgrid model of the energetic feedback associated with star formation. The relevant parameters were adjusted so that the simulations each reproduce the observed galaxy stellar mass function at z = 0.1. Three of the simulations fail to form disc galaxies as extended as observed, and we show analytically that this is a consequence of numerical radiative losses that reduce the efficiency of stellar feedback in…

• NS
  National Science Foundation

  Awards: FP7/2007-2013, No. NSF PHY11-25915, NSF PHY11-25915
• DU
  Durham University

  Awards: ST/K00042X/1, ST/K003267/1, ST/H008519/1
• PF
  Partnership for Advanced Computing in Europe AISBL
• BF
  Belgian Federal Science Policy Office

  Award: AP P7/08 CHARM
• NO
  Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek

  Awards: ST/K00042X/1, ST/H008519/1, FP7/2007-2013
• SA
  Science and Technology Facilities Council

  Awards: ST/I000976/1, ST/H008519, ST/I004459/2, ST/K00042X/1, ST/L00061X/1, ST/I00162X/1, ST/L00075X/1, FP7/2007-2013, ST/M007006/1, ST/I004459/1, ST/F001166/1, ST/H008519/1, ST/H008519/1, ST/I000976/1, ST/K003267/1, ST/K00042X/1