N-body simulations of galaxy clustering. II - Groups of galaxies

Two of the previously presented N-body simulations of galaxy clustering are analyzed in terms of the detailed dynamical and morphological properties of their binaries, groups, and clusters. The analysis is closely analogous to the studies of groups among bright Zwicky catalog galaxies by Turner and Gott. The simulated groups, particularly those in the ..cap omega../sub 0/=0.1 and n= -1 model, resemble the observed groups. The models provide complete (position, velocity, mass) information on group and field ''galaxies'' identified using the Turner and Gott surface density enhancement procedure. These data are used to assess the validity of the membership assignments, the influence of non-Hubble motions on descriptions of the clustering, the accuracy and stability of various M/L estimators, the significance of field galaxies, and the statistical properties of binary systems.