Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics and Nonlinear Dynamics
Pavilion F and Orion at night
About the Group
The group carries out research into a wide range of topics involving astrophysical fluid dynamics and non-linear patterns. Specific astrophysical interests include stellar magnetohydrodynamics (particularly dynamo theory, magnetoconvection and the physics of sunspots), accretion discs, protoplanetary systems, extrasolar planetary systems and galaxy clusters. Many of these areas of research are related to topics in non-linear dynamics, particularly pattern formation and bifurcation theory. More information about the group's research projects is available here.
The group's recent publication list and the most cited scientific publications written by group members are updated regularly and give an overview of our research activities.
News
- A New Theory on Why the Sun Never Swallowed the Earth
- See this TIME Magazine article and this slashdot post about some recent work by Sijme-Jan Paardekooper and Mordecai-Mark Mac Low. (January 2010)
- PhD Applications
- A new page has been added with information on how to apply for a PhD. (October 2009)
- Most Cited Publications
- A new list has been added to the website showing the most cited scientific publications written by group members. (April 2009)
- New Postdoctoral Researchers
- We welcome our new group members Laurene Jouve and Aurelien Crida. (January 2009)
- Workshop on Dynamics of Discs and Planets
- There will be a workshop on the dynamics of discs and planets at the Isaac Newton Institute for Mathematical Sciences between 12 August - 18 December 2009.
PhD Applications
We welcome applications for PhD studentships. The group, together with the Atomic Astrophysics Group, has allocated funding from STFC for astrophysics research students that is available from October 2010. Studentships are normally allocated around Easter. However, depending on circumstances, some may be advertised at other times. To find out if you are eligible and for further information regarding the application procedure and funding please check out http://damtp.cam.ac.uk/research/astro/about/phd.html!
Some possible projects in astrophysics and potential supervisors are listed on our research pages. Potential supervisors may also be contacted individually. Information relating to research projects undertaken by current PhD students can be found on the group members page where there are also links to personal websites where available.
The above links provide coverage of research activities within the group but please do not hesitate to contact via email Miranda Canty (Group Secretary) at mlc59@cam.ac.ukor one of the staff members listed if you have any other queries or require further information regarding research opportunities within the group.
Recent Scientific Publications
This list was last updated on February 8, 2010. A longer version is also available.
- The dynamical origin of the multi-planetary system HD 45364
- by Rein, H.; Papaloizou, J. C. B.; Kley, W.; Astronomy and Astrophysics (1/2010)
- Satellites migration in Saturn rings
- by Crida, A.; Papaloizou, J. C. B.; Charnoz, S.; Salmon, J.; European Planetary Science Congress 2009 (9/2009)
- A Self-Consistent Treatment of the Electromotive Force in Magnetohydrodynamics for Large Diffusivities
- by Courvoisier, A.; Hughes, D. W.; Proctor, M. R. E.; arXiv preprint (1/2010)
- On internal wave breaking and tidal dissipation near the centre of a solar-type star
- by Barker, A. J.; Ogilvie, G. I.; arXiv preprint (1/2010)
- MHD turbulence in accretion disks: the importance of the magnetic Prandtl number
- by Fromang, S.; Papaloizou, J.; Lesur, G.; Heinemann, T.; EAS Publications Series (1/2010)
- Exploring the P cyc vs. P rot relation with flux transport dynamo models of solar-like stars
- by Jouve, L.; Brown, B. P.; Brun, A. S.; Astronomy and Astrophysics (1/2010)
- Differential rotation in fully convective stars
- by Balbus, Steven A.; Weiss, Nigel O.; arXiv preprint (1/2010)
- Planetesimal collisions in binary systems
- by Paardekooper, S. -J.; Leinhardt, Z. M.; arXiv preprint (1/2010)
- A torque formula for non-isothermal type I planetary migration - I. Unsaturated horseshoe drag
- by Paardekooper, S.-J.; Baruteau, C.; Crida, A.; Kley, W.; Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (1/2010)
- The Validity of the Super-Particle Approximation during Planetesimal Formation
- by Rein, Hanno; Lesur, Geoffroy; Leinhardt, Zoe M.; arXiv preprint (12/2009)