A Rolling Programme of Astrophysical Research at Leeds
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Leeds
Department Name: Applied Mathematics
Abstract
Many astrophysical phenomena involve a complicated interaction between physical and chemical processes and fluid dynamics. We intend to use a combination of analysis and novel numerical methods, based on adaptive grids, to investigate such phenomena, in particular those involved in star formation, interactions between stars and their environment, starburst galaxies and active galactic nuclei, pulsar wind nebulae and the magnetospheres of pulsars and black holes. The emphasis is on generic processes that are important in a wide range of astrophysical objects. The star formation theme will combine the theoretical work with molecular line observations, multi-wavelength surveys of our Galaxy and the latest high resolution observations of the circumstellar environment of massive stars.
Organisations
Publications
Townsley L
(2011)
THE INTEGRATED DIFFUSE X-RAY EMISSION OF THE CARINA NEBULA COMPARED TO OTHER MASSIVE STAR-FORMING REGIONS
in The Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series
Townsley L
(2011)
THE CHANDRA CARINA COMPLEX PROJECT: DECIPHERING THE ENIGMA OF CARINA'S DIFFUSE X-RAY EMISSION
in The Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series
Havnes O
(2011)
In-flight calibration of mesospheric rocket plasma probes.
in The Review of scientific instruments
| Description | Star formation occurs due to the collapse of interstellar clouds due to their own gravitational attraction. We have shown that the interstellar magnetic field plays an important role in forming the clouds that can collapse to form stars. |
| Exploitation Route | It is now generally recognised that magnetic fields and in particular non-ideal effects such as ambi-polar diffusion play an important role in the formation of the clouds that collapse to form stars. |
| Sectors | Aerospace Defence and Marine Energy Environment |
| Description | The observational work has improved our understanding of massive star formation. The theoretical work has shown that magnetic fields play a major role in the early stages of star formation. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2010 |
| Sector | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Energy,Environment |
| Impact Types | Cultural Economic |
| Description | Star Formation and Protoplanetary Discs |
| Amount | £1,546,225 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | ST/I001557/1 |
| Organisation | Science and Technologies Facilities Council (STFC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2011 |
| End | 03/2014 |