Astrophysics Consolidated Grant

Many astrophysical phenomena involve complex fluid flows and interactions between flows and magnetic fields, often at parameter values far beyond any terrestrial laboratory experiments. We intend to undertake a systematic programme of research to investigate some of these interactions in several astrophysical objects. We shall utilise a combination of analytical and numerical techniques (including the application of state-of-the-art numerical algorithms optimised for use on massively parallel computer facilities) to gain an understanding of such phenomena. Our unifying philosophy is to investigate the fundamental physical interactions in these astrophysical objects and to use expertise gained in one area in order to make progress in other situations with similar underlying dynamics. In all cases we also intend to connect our theoretical/numerical results with astronomically observable quantities. The specific phenomena that we shall address in this proposal are:

(1) Magnetic and thermal evolution of highly magnetised neutron stars, and how this relates to the X-ray emissions observed in such stars.
(2) Tidal flows in stars and planets, and how the energy dissipated by them affects the evolution of extra-solar planetary systems and binary stars.
(3) Dynamics and radiation of highly magnetised relativistic plasma.
(4) The atmospheres of extra-solar planets, and how they respond to extremely asymmetric heating from their parent stars.