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
Zinchenko I
(2009)
Chemical differentiation in regions of high-mass star formation - II. Molecular multiline and dust continuum studies of selected objects
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Yildiz U
(2010)
Herschel /HIFI observations of high- J CO lines in the NGC 1333 low-mass star-forming region
in Astronomy and Astrophysics
Wyrowski F
(2010)
Variations in H 2 O + /H 2 O ratios toward massive star-forming regions
in Astronomy and Astrophysics
Wheelwright H
(2010)
The mass ratio and formation mechanisms of Herbig Ae/Be star binary systems
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Wheelwright H
(2012)
Probing the envelopes of massive young stellar objects with diffraction limited mid-infrared imaging
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Wheelwright H
(2012)
Probing the properties of Be star discs with spectroastrometry and NLTE radiative transfer modelling: ß CMi? Spectroastrometry and NLTE modelling of ß CMi
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society: Letters
Wheelwright H
(2009)
The close Be star companion of $\mathrm \beta$ Cephei
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Wheelwright H
(2012)
VLTI/AMBER observations of the binary B[e] supergiant HD 327083
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Wheelwright H
(2011)
On the alignment between the circumstellar disks and orbital planes of Herbig Ae/Be binary systems
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Wheelwright H
(2012)
AMBER and CRIRES observations of the binary sgB[e] star HD 327083: evidence of a gaseous disc traced by CO bandhead emission
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 | 04/2011 |
| End | 03/2014 |