Feedback processes in star forming regions and the interstellar
medium
This project will use (and futher develop) our new radiation hydrodynamics
codes to syudy the effects of stellar feedback on the structure, dynamics,
and star formation rates in star forming regions (parsec sizescales) and the
interstellar medium (kiloparsec sizescales). Feedback processes that are
readily incorporated into our codes include photoionisation, radiation
pressure, dust heating, stellar outflows, and supernovae. In addition to
studying these processes in star forming regions, the new numerical
codes are also applicble to numerical studies of galactic outflows and the
impact of feedback processes and leakage of ionising radiation into the
intergalactic medium.
Diffuse ionised gas in galaxies
Extensive layers of diffuse ionized gas are observed in the Milky Way and
other galaxies. This project will study the structure, ionization, heating,
and dynamics of diffuse ionized gas using our newly developed radiation
hydrodynamics codes that incorporate feedback processes including
photoionisation, stellar outflows, and supernovae. Output from our 3D
rad-hydro simulations will be compared with emission line observations of
the diffuse ionised gas.
A description of the radiation hydronamics code CMacIonize that will be
used for the above projects can be found
in this publication by
Vandenbroucke & Wood (2018).
Biophysical aspects of light-tissue interactions
Various projects are possible in this area using Monte Carlo
radiation transfer simulations
to study and optimise cancer phototherapies including photodynamic therapy
of skin and brain cancer, photothermal therapy using gold nano particles,
and studies of the damage and theraputic effects of sunlight.
We have a long term collaboration with the photodermatology group at
Ninewells Hospital in Dundee. On-going projects utilising out 3D Monte Carlo
radiation transfer codes include: depth penetration of various light sources
into skin for improving photodynamic therapies, studying DNA damage due to
sunbeds, the benefits of sun exposure for Vitamin D production, and
simulations of fluorescence to identify possible biomarkers of the early
onset of heart disease.
These projects are also listed
here.
The Monte Carlo
radiation transfer techniques at the heart of these projects are very
adaptable and can be applied to many diverse areas. Recent collaborations
include: star formation scattered light images and thermal spectra;
planetary nebulae models; galaxy images, polarization, and rotation curves;
geometry of hot star winds and disks through polarization modeling;
X-ray emission in coronal loops; ionization structure of the interstellar
medium; applications of Monte Carlo radiation transfer to medical physics
including photodynamic therapy and DNA damage from sunbeds.
If you are interested in any of these projects or other possibilities,
contact me at kw25@st-andrews.ac.uk