Influence of expansion on hierarchical structure

We study a one-dimensional model of gravitational instability in an Einstein–de Sitter universe. Scaling in both space and time results in an autonomous set of coupled Poisson-Vlasov equations for both the field and phase space density, and the N-body problem. Using dynamical simulation, we find direct evidence of hierarchical clustering. A multifractal analysis reveals a bifractal geometry similar to that observed in the distribution of galaxies. To demonstrate the role of scaling, we compare the system to other one-dimensional models recently employed to study structure formation. Finally we show that the model yields an estimate of the time of galaxy formation of the correct order.