Simulating feedback on galaxy formation by jets from spinning black holes

Abstract

In the last few decades, it has become apparent that energy release from supermassive black holes (BHs), in the form of active galactic nuclei (AGN) feedback, is an important physical process that affects galaxy formation and evolution. Modern theoretical models of galaxy formation and evolution almost always include AGN feedback, since it appears to be necessary in order to reproduce massive elliptical galaxies with little star formation. The EAGLE cosmological hydrodynamical simulations of galaxy formation used thermal isotropic feedback from BHs that was intended to represent the effects of radiatively driven quasar winds. In this thesis I present an expanded AGN feedback model that includes three different accretion and feedback regimes, with each BH being in a different regime depending on its accretion rate. I add a kinetic jet feedback mode that is present at all accretion rates, but is strongest at low and very high accretion rates. In each regime I also include the effects of accretion disc winds, im