2017/18 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue
PHYS5100M Winds, Bubbles and Explosions
15 creditsClass Size: 60
Module manager: Dr Julian Pittard
Email: j.m.pittard@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2017/18
Module replaces
PHYS3270 Winds, Bubbles and Explosions in GalaxiesThis module is not approved as an Elective
Objectives
At the end of this module you should be able to:- describe the observational features of the range of activity in galaxies from our own Milky Way to Active Galaxies and their Nuclei;
- explain the essential physics relating to how stellar winds and radiation, and supernovae explosions affect their environment;
- describe the current understanding of the broad and narrow line regions of active galaxies and starburst galaxies;
- elucidate the current models for explaining the relativistic jets involving accretion onto supermassive black holes;
- use basic physics to illustrate the energetics of these phenomena.
Learning outcomes
Make effective use of physics skills and knowledge to applications in Astrophysics;
Make use of a very wide range of physics in a specific problem;
Demonstrate that a specific area of physics, namely hydrodynamics, has an enormous range of applicability;
Demonstrate an understanding of most fundamental laws and principles of physics, along with their application to a variety of areas in physics, some of which are at (or are informed by) the forefront of the discipline;
Demonstrate an understanding of the use of physics in exotic circumstances;
Solve advanced problems in physics using appropriate mathematical tools;
Use mathematical techniques and analysis to model physical behaviour and interpret mathematical descriptions of physical phenomena;
Communicate complex scientific ideas concisely, accurately and informatively;
Manage own learning and make use of appropriate texts, research articles and other primary sources.
Syllabus
1.Overview. Injection of energy & momentum. Physical state of gas in the galaxy.
2.Physical Processes. Introduction to gas dynamics. Shock fronts. The Rankine-Hugoniot conditions. Physics of shock and radiatively excited gases. Cooling processes. The interstellar cooling curve. Effects of cooling behind shock fronts.
3.Ionization fronts and expanding HII regions.
4.Explosions. The Sedov phase of supernova remnant evolution. Transition to the momentum conserving phase. The range of supernova remnants in interstellar gas.
5.Wind driven bubbles. Supersonic winds from point sources. The two-shock flow pattern. Energy driven bubbles blown by single stars.
6.Galactic scale effects of winds and explosions. Effects of groups of stars. Winds blowing into stratified media. The galactic disc-halo connection. Super bubbles and blow out.
7.Effects in external galaxies. Giant extra-galactic HII regions. Starburst galaxies. Superwinds.
8.Activity in the nuclei of distant galaxies. Observational characteristics of Seyfert galaxies, QSOs and BL Lac objects. The structure and dynamics of the broad and narrow line emission regions. Black hole-accretion disc models for the nuclei of active galaxies. Fuelling the central engine. Jets and superluminal motion. The interaction of jets with the intergalactic medium. Unified models of AGN.
Teaching methods
Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
Lecture | 22 | 1.00 | 22.00 |
Practical | 1 | 15.00 | 15.00 |
Private study hours | 113.00 | ||
Total Contact hours | 37.00 | ||
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150.00 |
Private study
128 hours to be used for background reading, preparing for lectures, researching and writing assignments and problem solving.Opportunities for Formative Feedback
3 non-assessed problem sheets. 1 assessed mini-project.Methods of assessment
Coursework
Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
Assignment | - | 20.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 20.00 |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Exams
Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 2 hr 30 mins | 80.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 80.00 |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 05/09/2017
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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