Magnetic Zooms: Testing how magnetic fields shape galaxy structure and star formation

磁场遍布星系。它们追踪星际介质，并提供了一个重要的压力支持来源，以对抗重力，这将减缓气体转化为恒星的过程。了解场是如何演变的，以及它们真正的动态重要性仍然是一个未解决的问题，但它对我们理解星系演化和恒星和行星形成至关重要。在这个项目中，我们将使用一些有史以来最高分辨率的星系磁场模拟，并放大到更多细节，研究磁场如何影响冷分子气体云的形成，它们形成恒星的效率，以及恒星在其中的分布。在这个项目中，你将使用DiRAC超级计算设备进行高级HPC模拟，作为pi的“变焦恒星形成”主题项目的一部分。数据分析将主要在python中进行，使用小组内已经编写的脚本，也由学生开发。然后，我们的结果将与SOPHIA FIELDMAPS调查的观测结果、极化尘埃图和HI观测结果进行严格比较。一些基本的编程知识，特别是python，将是可取的，但培训将作为博士学位的一部分。

Magnetic fields pervade galaxies. They trace the interstellar medium and provide an important source of pressure support against gravity that will slow the process of transforming gas into stars. Understanding how fields evolve, and their true dynamic importance is still an unresolved question, but it is crucial for our understanding of both galaxy evolution and star and planet formation. In this project we will use some of the highest resolution simulations of galactic magnetic fields ever performed and zoom into even more detail to investigate how magnetic fields affect the formation of cold molecular clouds of gas, the efficiency with which they form stars, and the distribution of stars within them. In this project you will use the DiRAC supercomputing facility to carry out advanced HPC simulations as part of the P.I's "Zooming into Star Formation" thematic project. Data analysis will be mainly carried out in python, using scripts already written within the group, but also developed by the student. Our results will then be critically compared with observations from the SOPHIA FIELDMAPS survey, polarised dust maps, and HI observations. Some knowledge of basic programming, particularly in python, would be desirable but training will be provided as part of the PhD.