Arm classification and velocity gradients in spiral galaxies

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Abstract
On the basis of published rotation curves, we have compiled a list of velocity gradients for 94 galaxies. A significant correlation is found in this sample of galaxies between their gradients and arm classes (as given by Elmegreen and Elmegreen); galaxies with steeper curves tend to have a flocculent arm structure, and galaxies with flatter curves tend to have a grand design morphology. The correlation is true, since it is not induced by other correlations. Our result is in agreement with previous suggestions by Whitmore and with the recent result by Elmegreen and Elmegreen; it is also consistent with the predictions of density wave theory for the formation of the spiral structure.

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