Self-Interacting Dark Matter: From Particle Physics Theories to Structure Formation Simulations

Abstract

We present a unified theory-to-simulation framework for self-interacting dark matter (SIDM), combining a self-contained introduction to its particle-physics foundations and representative benchmark models with an explicit, systematic mapping to simulation inputs and validated numerical implementations in the moving-mesh code AREPO-2. We characterize representative elementary and composite dark-sector models through their particle content, symmetries, interactions, production mechanisms, and constraints. We then establish an explicit mapping from their microscopic properties to the inputs required for structure-formation simulations, including modifications to cosmological initial conditions, internal-state mass splittings and populations, reaction networks, velocity- and angle-dependent cross sections, dissipative energy loss, and decay rates and recoil kinematics. Building on the efficient, scalable SIDM infrastructure introduced in our companion work, we implement isotropic and anisotropic self-scattering with constant or velocity-dependent cross sections, multi-state and inelastic reactions, and dissipative scattering, as well as a dedicated DM decay module. We validate the implementations through beam-lattice deflection experiments, thermalization and uniform-box decay tests, isolated-halo gravothermal core-collapse simulations, and cosmological box and zoom-in simulations. The tests reproduce analytical predictions and published inelastic and dissipative benchmarks, with agreement across numerical schemes. The resulting framework provides a common reference for researchers across disciplines and a practical route from microscopic dark-sector theories to nonlinear astrophysical predictions beyond standard isotropic, elastic SIDM.