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
Fontani F
(2012)
Dense gas in IRAS 20343+4129: an ultracompact H ii region caught in the act of creating a cavity Dense gas in IRAS 20343+4129
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Ossenkopf V
(2010)
Detection of interstellar oxidaniumyl: Abundant H 2 O + towards the star-forming regions DR21, Sgr B2, and NGC6334
in Astronomy and Astrophysics
Bizzocchi L
(2010)
Detection of N$^\mathsf{ {15}}$NH + in L1544
in Astronomy and Astrophysics
Stead J
(2011)
Determining the age of young embedded clusters Determining the age of embedded clusters
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Fontani F
(2011)
Deuteration as an evolutionary tracer in massive-star formation
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Pineda J
(2010)
DIRECT OBSERVATION OF A SHARP TRANSITION TO COHERENCE IN DENSE CORES
in The Astrophysical Journal
Jiang Zhibo
(2008)
Disks around massive young stellar objects: Are they common?
in ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL LETTERS
Fuente A
(2009)
Dissecting an intermediate-mass protostar Chemical differentiation in IC 1396 N
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Foster J
(2012)
DISTANCES TO DARK CLOUDS: COMPARING EXTINCTION DISTANCES TO MASER PARALLAX DISTANCES
in The Astrophysical Journal
VAN LOO S
(2010)
Dusty magnetohydrodynamics in star-forming regions
in Journal of Plasma Physics
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 |