Physical modelling of AGN feedback

The aim of the project is to develop new, more physically based
subgrid models for feedback on galaxy formation from Active Galactic
Nuclei (AGN), and then to include them in cosmological gas-dynamical
simulations of galaxy formation. A theoretical model will be developed
for winds driven by radiation pressure from accretion disks around
supermassive black holes. This model will be used to predict the rates
of injection of energy and momentum by such winds over the whole range
of black hole mass, accretion rate and spin. These injection rates
will be used to develop a new subgrid model for AGN feedback based on
energy- or momentum-conserving winds, suitable for inclusion in the
EAGLE cosmological gas-dynamical simulation code. Galaxy formation
simulations will then be run using the new AGN feedback model, and the
results analysed.