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
- Changes
- Our group bids a warm welcome to its newest members, Dr. Benjamin Favier and Dr Meng Xiang-Gruess.
- Three new studies on Saturn's rings
- Members of the Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics Group have announced the results of three studies concerning the formation and evolution of small moons in Saturn's rings.
1. The recent formation of Saturn's moonlets from viscous spreading of the main rings - Sebastien Charnoz, Julien Salmon and Aurelien Crida
2. Stochastic orbital migration of small bodies in Saturn's rings - Hanno Rein and John Papaloizou
3. Migration of a moonlet in a ring of solid particles: Theory and application to Saturn's propellers - Aurelien Crida, John Papaloizou, Hanno Rein, Sebastien Charnoz and Julien Salmon
- Accademic Couples
- An article in The Guardian describes the live of academic couples including our group member Zoe Leinhardt. (March 2010)
- 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 page with information on how to apply for a PhD has been updated. (November 2010)
- Most Cited Publications
- A new list has been added to the website showing the most cited scientific publications written by group members. (April 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 Virginia Mullins (Group Secretary) at or 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 October 18, 2011. A longer version is also available.
- Periodic magnetorotational dynamo action as a prototype of nonlinear magnetic-field generation in shear flows
- by Herault, J.; Rincon, F.; Cossu, C.; Lesur, G.; Ogilvie, G. I.; Longaretti, P.-Y.; Physical Review E (9/2011)
- Stability analysis of a tidally excited internal gravity wave near the centre of a solar-type star
- by Barker, Adrian J.; Ogilvie, Gordon I.; Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (10/2011)
- Tidal interactions in multi-planet systems
- by Papaloizou, J. C. B.; Celestial Mechanics and Dynamical Astronomy (10/2011)
- Close encounters of a rotating star with planets in parabolic orbits of varying inclination and the formation of hot Jupiters
- by Ivanov, P. B.; Papaloizou, J. C. B.; Celestial Mechanics and Dynamical Astronomy (10/2011)
- Lattice simulations and infrared conformality
- by Appelquist, T.; Fleming, G. T.; Lin, M. F.; Neil, E. T.; Schaich, D. A.; Physical Review D (9/2011)
- Rapid inward migration of planets formed by gravitational instability
- by Baruteau, Clément; Meru, Farzana; Paardekooper, Sijme-Jan; Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (9/2011)
- A Weakly nonlinear theory for spiral density waves excited by accretion disc turbulence
- by Heinemann, Tobias; Papaloizou, John C. B.; arXiv preprint (9/2011)
- Internal wave breaking and the fate of planets around solar-type stars
- by Barker, Adrian J.; Ogilvie, Gordon I.; Astrophysical Dynamics: From Stars to Galaxies (8/2011)
- Can short time delays influence the variability of the solar cycle?
- by Jouve, Laurène; Proctor, Michael R. E.; Lesur, Geoffroy; Astrophysical Dynamics: From Stars to Galaxies (8/2011)
- Solar and Stellar Dynamos
- by Weiss, Nigel O.; Astrophysical Dynamics: From Stars to Galaxies (8/2011)
- Competing kinematic dynamo mechanisms in rotating convection with shear
- by Proctor, Michael R. E.; Hughes, David W.; Astrophysical Dynamics: From Stars to Galaxies (8/2011)
- The Evolution of a Double Diffusive Magnetic Buoyancy Instability
- by Silvers, Lara J.; Vasil, Geoffrey M.; Brummell, Nicholas H.; Proctor, Michael R. E.; Astrophysical Dynamics: From Stars to Galaxies (8/2011)
- The influence of stratification upon small-scale convectively-driven dynamos
- by Bushby, Paul J.; Proctor, Michael R. E.; Weiss, Nigel O.; Astrophysical Dynamics: From Stars to Galaxies (8/2011)