Unit name | Stellar Structure and Evolution 301 |
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Unit code | PHYS34013 |
Credit points | 10 |
Level of study | H/6 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
Unit director | Dr. Furqaan Yusaf |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
120 credit points at Level I/5 in Physics, Physics with Astrophysics, or joint honours programmes in Mathematics and Physics or Physics and Philosophy. |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | School of Physics |
Faculty | Faculty of Science |
This unit introduces the physics underlying the structure and evolution of stars, through a description of applicable nuclear physics, fluid mechanics and thermal physics. Emphasis is placed on neutrino production resulting from nucleosynthesis, and the extreme processes of stellar evolution that feed the enriched material back into the Galactic gas.
Aims:
To introduce the physics that underlies the behaviour and evolution of stars, and show how these physical processes lead to stability of normal stars and the instability of some special types of stars including supernovae. To relate the physics of the energy generation mechanisms in stars to terrestrial fusion experiments. To explore how stars process primordial material into elements that are common in the Universe today.
Able to use the virial theorem and equations of hydrostatic equilibrium. Understand the importance of equations of state. Understand the different effects and environments of the r and s processes in nucleosynthesis. Understand the radiative and convective transfer of heat. Understand the ythe origins of the chemical elements. Understand how the different masses of stars lead to different endpoints of stellar evolution.
Lectures and problems classes
Written examination comprising 1 2-hour paper