2018 participants

Imogen Creswell

  • MPhys Physics
  • Stellar models for hydrodynamic simulations

During a star’s lifetime its properties change depending on its age and mass: this is what’s known as stellar evolution. Researchers simulate stellar evolution using computers, as it’s not possible for us to observe the full evolution in our own lifetime. These simulations allow for comparison of properties between stars, which furthers understanding of Astrophysics.

Comparing the properties of stars for research purposes is difficult due to the large variety and amount of data available. In this project I am going to make data more accessible by producing a data grid of these properties. I will do this using a computer program called Modules for Experiments in Stellar Astrophysics (MESA) to produce models of different stars, varying in density, temperature, composition as well as mass and age.

 

Funded by: Newcastle University

Project Supervisor: Tamara Rogers