The lifecycle of grains in the evolving, multiphase ISM
Lead Research Organisation:
UNIVERSITY OF EXETER
Department Name: Physics and Astronomy
Abstract
Dust grains are tiny solid particles that are present in the interstellar space of any galaxy. These grains absorb the radiation from stars and completely change the appearance of galaxies. In order to remove the dust veil from galaxies and correctly infer their parameters from observations, one needs to know dust properties in different environments, which are not well understood. My research aims to build a consistent picture of the lifecycle of interstellar grains: how they are formed, processed and destroyed in the interstellar gas.
Grains are born in cooling gas around old stars and supernovae. The role of stars in the production of dust grains is much better understood now due to recent advances in theoretical models. The following journey of grains in the interstellar space is more complex and less studied theoretically. The major challenge for such studies is that the evolution of interstellar dust and gas are interrelated. My project aims to overcome this challenge by modelling galactic gas and dust evolution simultaneously. We will perform three-dimensional hydrodynamic simulations of galactic evolution that follow all stages of the lifecycle of dust. These simulations will tell us how grain properties vary across the galaxy.
Although dust grains constitute only 1% of the gas mass in our galaxy, they are very important for heating and cooling of the gas and for the formation of hydrogen molecules, the most important molecule for formation of stars and planets. Most hydrodynamic simulations of galaxies assume that grains remain the same. Knowing actual properties of grains will enable more realistic modeling of galactic evolution, star formation and help to more accurately interpret the observations of galaxies.
Grains are born in cooling gas around old stars and supernovae. The role of stars in the production of dust grains is much better understood now due to recent advances in theoretical models. The following journey of grains in the interstellar space is more complex and less studied theoretically. The major challenge for such studies is that the evolution of interstellar dust and gas are interrelated. My project aims to overcome this challenge by modelling galactic gas and dust evolution simultaneously. We will perform three-dimensional hydrodynamic simulations of galactic evolution that follow all stages of the lifecycle of dust. These simulations will tell us how grain properties vary across the galaxy.
Although dust grains constitute only 1% of the gas mass in our galaxy, they are very important for heating and cooling of the gas and for the formation of hydrogen molecules, the most important molecule for formation of stars and planets. Most hydrodynamic simulations of galaxies assume that grains remain the same. Knowing actual properties of grains will enable more realistic modeling of galactic evolution, star formation and help to more accurately interpret the observations of galaxies.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
Description | College funded studentship |
Amount | £52,531 (GBP) |
Organisation | University of Exeter |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start |
Description | Mentoring students from disadvantaged backgrounds within In2ScienceUK Virtual Placement Programme |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | 5 students from disadvantaged backgrounds attended mentoring sessions, in which they actively asked questions and learned about education and career paths in STEM. The In2ScienceUK Virtual Placement Programme reinforced participants career aspirations, provided them with valuable information which enabled them to map out realistic plans for achieving their career goals and helped them to develop the necessary confidence to pursue those plans, increased confidence in their own abilities, and the attainability of a STEM degree or career (Zsolt Analytics evaluation report, 2020). |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://in2scienceuk.org/ |
Description | Online presentation and quiz within Physical Sciences and Engineering section of the Virtual Scholar Resedentials Programme |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Recorded a talk and prepared a thought provoking astronomy quiz offered to all participants of Virtual Scholar Residentials 2020 Programme interested in the Physical Sciences and Engineering. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://www.exeter.ac.uk/exeterscholars/ |
Description | The Big Bang Fair South West |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | School children attended the astronomy stand run by Svitlana Zhukovska and her two colleagues during the event. The children were engaged in various activities or demonstrations aimed to arise their awareness of research carried out in the Astrophysics group in Exeter University and opportunities for high education. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | https://www.thebigbangfair.co.uk/ |