Numerical simulation of asymmetric spiral structure in the large magellanic cloud

We have constructed a dynamical model of the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), based on the new propagating star formation scheme of Gardiner; Turfus, & W ang, in order to examine the effects of an off-center perturbation on the g lobal distribution of the gas and star formation activity. The simulation g enerates an asymmetric spiral structure that appears to be consistent with the pattern of large-scale star formation activity and recent observations of the neutral gas distribution. We suggest that the presence of a dual asy mmetry in the offset bar and spiral structure is a major factor governing t he global structure, dynamics, and evolution of the LMC.