Numerical modelling of late infall onto protoplanetary discs

This PhD research project focuses on developing numerical simulations of infalling gas onto protoplanetary discs using national HPC facilities. Stars are born with protoplanetary discs, flat structures of gas and dust that accrete onto the central star, within which planets form and evolve. Recent observations have revealed several examples of streamers of gas that appear to connect with protoplanetary discs, indicating ongoing accretion onto discs after the star and disc first formed. The project will involve analysing simulation results with scope for investigating the chemical evolution of the accreting disc as well as the evolution of the physical structure, and for working on comparison to observations. This computational project is ideally suited to candidates who enjoy coding and computational research. The position is funded through the STFC Doctoral Training Partnership Studentship for 3.5 years.