2023/24 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 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2023/24
Module replaces
PHYS3270 Winds, Bubbles and Explosions in GalaxiesThis module is not approved as an Elective
Module summary
Massive stars inject radiative and mechanical energy into the interstellar medium via their intense photon fluxes, powerful winds, and SN explosions. This “feedback” is at least partially responsible for dispersing the molecular gas from massive star-forming regions. On larger scales, the energy injected from groups of massive stars powers galactic fountains and superwinds. This course covers the theory behind these processes, and the necessary background to understand them.Objectives
This module provides the fundamental knowledge for understanding how massive stars affect their environment.Learning outcomes
Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and application of:
1. The Interstellar Medium
2. Gas dynamics, shocks, radiative cooling
3. Photoionization/recombinaton
4. Supernova remnants, wind-blown bubbles, AGN and jets
Syllabus
Overview. Injection of energy & momentum. Physical state of gas in the galaxy. Introduction to gas dynamics. Shock fronts. The Rankine-Hugoniot conditions. Physics of shocks and radiatively excited gases. Cooling processes. The cooling curve. The ISM phase curve. Effects of cooling behind shock fronts. Interaction of shocks with clouds. Photoionization and recombination. Ionization balance. Ionization fronts and expanding HII regions. Stellar explosions. The Sedov phase of supernova remnant evolution. Transition to the momentum conserving phase. The range of supernova remnants in interstellar gas. Wind blown bubbles. The two-shock flow pattern. Energy driven bubbles blown by single stars. Cluster winds. Galactic scale effects of winds and explosions into stratified media. The galactic disc-halo connection. Super bubbles and blow out. Starburst galaxies. Superwinds. Evolution of supernova remnants near an AGN. Properties and behaviour of astrophysical jets.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Lecture | 33 | 1.00 | 33.00 |
| Private study hours | 117.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 33.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150.00 | ||
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
WorkshopsMethods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| In-course Assessment | Regular Coursework | 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 | |
Students will have to complete an in-person exam at the end of the module. This will take place during the examinations period at the end of the semester and will be time bound. Resits will be in the standard exam format.
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 16/05/2023 16:47:49
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