Simulations of Clusters of Galaxies

Numerical simulations of clusters of galaxies provide a unique way to follow the dynamics of these systems. The models reveal many characteristics of the merging process of subclusters: shock structure and strength, temperature distribution and gas distribution. From the models detailed observational signatures of the dynamical state can be derived. The simulations also show that mergers have effects on the magnetic field, on the X-ray luminosity, on the metal enrichment and other physical processes. Furthermore, observational methods like the mass determination can be tested