Generation and Evolution of Astrophysical Magnetic Fields (Astronomy)

这项研究涉及天体物理环境中磁场的产生和演化。将研究部分电离对星系磁场和星系前磁场放大的发电机模型的影响。这项工作将建立在Zweibel博士对这些影响的初步探索之上。在恒星日冕磁场中电流片或细丝的形成及其对日冕气体加热的影响也将被研究。芝加哥大学的几个主要合作者：A. Konigl、E. Parker和R. Rosner，长期以来一直对这个领域感兴趣。除了研究活动，Zweibel博士还将教授她专业的研究生课程（流体和等离子体动力学I或II，等离子体天体物理学专题），参加理论天体物理学和教师研究研讨会以及定期的天文学和天体物理学研讨会系列，并为物理科学本科课程提供客座讲座。该项目进一步推进了VPW计划的目标，即(1)为女性提供在工程和NSF支持的科学学科中发展职业的机会；(2)通过为在工业、政府和学术机构工作的女性科学家和工程师提供更大的知名度，鼓励女性在科学和工程领域追求职业。通过鼓励妇女参与科学，这是对国家未来科学活力的宝贵投资。

This research concerns the generation and evolution of magnetic fields in astrophysical environments. The effects of partial ionization on dynamo models of the galactic magnetic field and of pregalactic magnetic field amplification will be investigated. This work will build upon a preliminary exploration of these effects by Dr. Zweibel. The formation of electric current sheets or filaments in the magnetic fields of stellar coronae with consequences for heating of the coronal gas will also be studied. This area too has been of longstanding interest to several principal collaborators at the University of Chicago: A. Konigl, E. Parker, and R. Rosner. In addition to research activities, Dr. Zweibel will teach graduate courses in her specialty (Fluid and Plasma Dynamics I or II, Special Topics in Plasma Astrophysics), participate in Theoretical Astrophysics and Faculty Research Seminars and in the regular Astronomy and Astrophysics Colloquium Series, and deliver guest lectures to undergraduate classes in Physical Science. This project furthers VPW program objectives which are (1) to provide opportunities for women to advance their careers in engineering and in the disciplines of science supported by NSF and (2) to encourage women to pursue careers in science and engineering by providing greater visibility for women scientists and engineers employed in industry, government, and academic institutions. By encouraging the participation of women in science, it is a valuable investment in the Nation's future scientific vitality.