Extreme Astrophysics: Ultra-compact binaries and gamma-ray bursts

Project Information

EXTREME ASTROPHYSICS

Grant agreement ID: 252431

Project closed

Start date 1 January 2011

End date 31 December 2012

Funded under

• Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013)

Total cost € 164 628,60

EU contribution € 164 628,60

Coordinated by

MAX IV Laboratory, Lund University
Sweden

Objective

We propose a research project to work within the field of extreme astrophysics, on ultra-compact binaries and gamma-ray bursts. In particular we wish to understand the role of compact binaries as gamma-ray burst (GRB) progenitors, the formation of compact binaries in the field of our Galaxy and the production of interacting binaries in globular clusters. We will approach these connected problems in four different ways. First, we will predict the galactic offsets of short GRBs, using our detailed binary stellar evolution code to compute the evolution of the binaries most important for their production. Some events in compact binary evolution that proceed on hydrodynamical timescales will be modelled using smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH). We shall further use the predictions to model the wind outflows from the binary and single-star progenitors of long gamma-ray bursts to determine if the two can be distinguished. Secondly, we shall use a detailed stellar evolution code to compute the evolution of ultra-compact binaries in the field, to better understand the origins of some of their observed properties. Thirdly, we shall use a code that combines detailed stellar evolution and N-body dynamics to model the evolution of the progenitor binaries of gamma-ray bursts in dense stellar environments. Finally, we shall estimate the production rate of LISA-visible binaries in the field and in globular clusters from the models mentioned above. To achieve this scientific programme we intend to recruit Ross Church as a fellow. Church is an expert in stellar evolution and N-body dynamics, and his computer code that combines the two is a unique research tool for the investigation of stellar evolution in dense stellar systems such as the core of a globular cluster. His recruitment will broaden his scientific skill base and research interests and allow him to mature as a researcher, thus fulfilling the aims of the FP7 "people" work programme.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques.

• natural sciences › physical sciences › astronomy › astrophysics

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Programme(s)

• FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013)

Topic(s)

• FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IEF - Marie Curie Action: "Intra-European Fellowships for Career Development"

Call for proposal

FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IEF
See other projects for this call

Funding Scheme

MC-IEF - Intra-European Fellowships (IEF)

Coordinator

MAX IV Laboratory, Lund University

• EU contribution: € 164 628,60
• Address: Paradisgatan 5c ; 22100 LUND ; Sweden
• Region: Södra Sverige › Sydsverige › Skåne län
• Activity type: Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
• Administrative Contact: Melvyn B. Davies (Prof.)
• Total cost: No data