Modeling the Distribution of Metals in the Universe

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

This project aims to develop a better understanding of the transport of heavy elements. Almost all elements heavier than hydrogen and helium are made in stars and then expelled into the interstellar medium. However, we understand very little about the subsequent processes by which these elements are transported through and out of galaxies. This project plans to use high-resolution simulations of interstellar gas to understand the flows responsible for element transport. It also plans to provide quantitative calculations of the rate of element diffusion through the interstellar medium, the rate at which elements are expelled from galaxies in galactic winds, and similar poorly-known quantities. Ultimately, this work may yield a much deeper understanding of how the present-day distribution of elements in the universe came to be.