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ABSTRACT. Interacting galaxies are a natural arena for studies of non-equilibrium stellar dynamics, gas dynamics, and thermodynamics. Only galaxy formation itself is as deeply concerned with as many different aspects of dynamics, and the connection between interactions and the formation of galaxies is probably no coincidence. This review discusses tidal interactions, halos and orbit decay, dissipative effects in galaxy interactions, properties of merger remnants, and origins of starbursts.

Table of Contents

SIMULATING TIDAL INTERACTIONS

Towards a Model of the Antennae

Halo Mass and Orbit Decay

DISSIPATION AND THERMODYNAMICS

STRUCTURE OF MERGER REMNANTS

Unequal-Mass Mergers

Dissipative Mergers

SIMULATIONS OF STARBURST GALAXIES

DISCUSSION

REFERENCES