University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 15

ECTS credits : 7

Level : SCQF level 11

Semester: 2

Availability restrictions: Available only to students on MSc Astrophysics.

This theoretical module explores the basics of gravitational dynamics and accretion physics and their application to systems such as circumstellar discs, stellar clusters to galaxies and clusters of galaxies. The module will provide students with the techniques to determine physical properties from observable quantities and to model the dynamics and evolutionary pathways of these systems. Starting from two-body motion and orbits under a central-force law, the module describes the calculation of extended potentials and their associated orbits. The use of the virial theorem and the statistical treatment of large numbers of self-gravitating bodies is then developed with application to stellar systems. Accretion as a source of energy and mass growth will be explored with particular emphasis on models of viscous accretion discs. Applications of these methods are made to several different astrophysical objects including accretion discs in stellar systems, collisions in globular clusters, the growth of super-massive black holes, to the presence of dark matter in the universe.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Students must be registered for MSc Astrophysics.

Co-requisite(s): You must also take AS5500

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 3 lectures occasionally replaced by whole-group tutorials.

Scheduled learning hours: 31

Guided independent study hours: 119

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 2-hour Written Examination = 75%, Coursework = 25%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 75%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 25%

Re-assessment: Oral re-assessment = 100%, capped at grade 7

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr H Zhao

Additional information from school

AS5523 - Gravitational Dynamics and Accretion Physics

Aims & Objectives

To present an overview of the importance and relevance of gravitational process in astrophysics, including how gravity relates structures with kinematics and the long-term evolution of such structures due to gravitational interactions. The module also aims to provide a basic understanding of how astrophysical discs work and provide an insight into how compact astrophysical objects form and obtain their characteristic masses be they planets, stars or black holes.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module the student should be able to:

• Apply potential theory to gravitational systems.
• Relate kinematics to mass distributions in extended objects like clusters and galaxies.
• Determine how gravitational interactions drive the evolution of self-gravitating systems.
• Model the structures and evolution of astrophysical discs.
• Understand the statistical treatment of a large-N system.
• Use the virial theorem to estimate global properties and evolutionary outcomes.
• Use the Jeans equations to determine mass distributions from observable properties.
• Model accretion processes and how these relate to the luminous Universe.

Synopsis

Starting from two-body motion and orbits under a central-force law, the module describes the calculation of extended potentials and their associated orbits. The use of the virial theorem and the statistical treatment of large numbers of self-gravitating bodies is then developed with application to stellar systems. Applications of these methods are made to several different astrophysical objects ranging from collisions in globular clusters to the presence of dark matter in the universe. The physics of accretion and accretion discs is developed with emphasis on disc structures, accretion through the disc and the ability of discs to form smaller mass objects such as planets.

Recommended Books

Please view University online record:

http://resourcelists.st-andrews.ac.uk/modules/as5523.html

General Information