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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.

Publications

10 25 50
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Oudmaijer R (2008) Sub-milliarcsecond precision spectro-astrometry of Be stars in Astronomy & Astrophysics

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Van Loo S (2008) The effect of ambipolar resistivity on the formation of dense cores in Astronomy & Astrophysics

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Emprechtinger M (2008) The N 2 D + /N 2 H + ratio as an evolutionary tracer of Class 0 protostars in Astronomy & Astrophysics

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Cazaux S (2008) The role of carbon grains in the deuteration of H 2 in Astronomy & Astrophysics

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Nazé Y (2012) The 2.35 year itch of Cygnus OB2 #9 I. Optical and X-ray monitoring??? in Astronomy & Astrophysics

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Vink J (2009) On the presence and absence of disks around O-type stars in Astronomy & Astrophysics

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Liseau R (2012) Multi-line detection of O 2 toward ? Ophiuchi A in Astronomy & Astrophysics

 
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