'Galaxy Associations' as Possible Common Features of Galaxy Clusters

The results of the analysis of the subclustering in a sample of ESO Nearby Abell Cluster Survey (ENACS) galaxy clusters, with data complemented from other studies, are presented. The analysis is performed by using the S-tree method enabling one to study the hierarchical properties of clusters, namely by the detection of the main physical cluster and of its subgroups. The results indicate: (a) systematically lower genuine cluster velocity dispersions than known from previous studies; (b) existence of 2-3 subgroups in each cluster. Due to certain properties of specific dynamical entities, we denote these subgroups as galaxy associations, which can become an essential challenge for formation mechanisms of galaxy clusters.