A derivation of (half) the dark matter distribution function

All dark matter structures appear to follow a set of universalities, such as phase-space density or velocity anisotropy profiles, however, the origin of these universalities remains a mystery. Any equilibrated dark matter structure can be fully described by two functions, namely the radial and the tangential velocity distribution functions (VDF), and when we will understand these two then we will understand all the observed universalities. Here we demonstrate that if we know the radial VDF, then we can derive and understand the tangential VDF. This is based on simple dynamical arguments about properties of collisionless systems. We use a range of controlled numerical simulations to demonstrate the accuracy of this result. We therefore boil the question of the dark matter structural properties down to understanding the radial VDF.

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