On the vertical equilibrium of the local Galactic disk and the search
  for disk dark matter
  Estimates of the dynamical surface mass density at the solar Galactocentric
distance are commonly derived assuming that the disk is in vertical equilibrium
with the Galactic potential. This assumption has recently been called into
question, based on the claim that the ratio between the kinetic and the
gravitational energy in such solutions is a factor of 3 larger than required if
Virial equilibrium is to hold. Here we show that this ratio between energies
was overerestimated and that the disk solutions are likely to be in Virial
equilibrium after all. We additionally demonstrate, using one-dimensional
numerical simulations, that the disks are indeed in equilibrium. Hence, given
the uncertainties, we find no reason to cast doubt on the steady-state
solutions which are traditionally used to measure the matter density of the
disk.
