Understand
In this work, we use hydrodynamical simulations to explore the effects of kinetic AGN jet feedback on the progression and outcome of the major merger of two isolated, gas-rich galaxies.
- We present simulations that use the moving-mesh code AREPO to follow the progression of the merger through first passage and up to the final coalescence, modelling the black holes at the centres of both of the merging galaxies using our prescription for black hole accretion via an $\alpha$-disc and feedback in the form of a spin-driven jet.
- We find that the jets drive large-scale, multiphase outflows which launch large quantities of cold gas out to distances greater than 100 kpc and with velocities that reach $\sim 2500 \, {\rm km \, s^{-1}}$.
- Gas in the outflows that decelerates, cools and falls back on the galaxies can provide a rich source of fuel for the black hole, leading to intense episodes of jet activity in which the jet can become significantly misaligned.