Astrophysics Consolidated Grant

许多天体物理现象涉及磁场和流体流动之间的复杂相互作用，其参数值往往远远超过任何地面实验室实验。我们打算进行一项系统的研究计划，以调查几个天体物理物体中的一些此类相互作用。我们将利用分析和数值技术的组合(包括最先进的数值算法的应用，优化用于大规模并行机器)来获得对这些现象的理解。我们的统一哲学是研究这些天体物理物体中的基本物理相互作用，并利用在一个领域获得的专业知识，以便在具有类似潜在动力学的其他情况下取得进展。在所有情况下，我们还打算将我们的理论/数值结果与天文可观测量联系起来。我们将在这个提议中讨论的具体现象是：(1)从活动星系核发出的相对论喷流，以及最终在距离其起源足够远的地方发展起来的不稳定性的物理学。(2)恒星和行星中的潮汐流动，以及它们所消耗的能量如何影响太阳系外行星系统和双星的演化。(3)高磁化中子星的磁热演化，以及这与在此类恒星中观察到的爆发和耀斑的关系。(4)太阳系外行星的大气，以及它们如何应对来自母星的极不对称加热。

Many astrophysical phenomena involve complex interactions between magnetic fields and fluid flows, often at parameter values far beyond any terrestrial laboratory experiments. We intend to undertake a systematic programme of research to investigate some of these interactions in several astrophysical objects. We shall utilise a combination of analytical and numerical techniques (including the application of state-of-the-art numerical algorithms optimised for use on massively parallel machines) to gain an understanding of such phenomena. Our unifying philosophy is to investigate the fundamental physical interactions in these astrophysical objects and to use expertise gained in one area in order to make progress in other situations with similar underlying dynamics. In all cases we also intend to connect our theoretical/numerical results with astronomically observable quantities. The specific phenomena that we shall address in this proposal are:(1) Relativistic jets emanating from active galactic nuclei, and the physics governing instabilities that eventually develop over sufficiently large distances from their origin.(2) Tidal flows in stars and planets, and how the energy dissipated by them affects the evolution of extra-solar planetary systems and binary stars.(3) Magnetic and thermal evolution of highly magnetised neutron stars, and how this relates to the bursts and flares observed in such stars.(4) The atmospheres of extra-solar planets, and how they respond to extremely asymmetric heating from their parent stars.