About the project
This project aims to study the extreme physical conditions on neutron star surfaces.
Type I X-ray bursts, or thermonuclear bursts, are explosive events that occur on the surfaces of neutron stars in binary systems. As gas accumulates and spreads across the neutron star's surface, it forms a fresh layer of material. Under the right conditions, this material undergoes gravitational compression and heating, reaching critical temperatures and densities that trigger thermonuclear fusion.
This ignition leads to a rapid sequence of nuclear reactions, primarily through the carbon-nitrogen-oxygen (CNO) cycle, which quickly converts hydrogen into helium. The result is a powerful release of energy in the form of X-rays—brief bursts that emit more energy in seconds or minutes than the Sun does in an entire week. These bursts provide a valuable observational glimpse into the extreme physical conditions on neutron star surfaces.
In this project, You will simulate the spread of the burning layer on the neutron star’s surface once these critical conditions are achieved. Findings from this research will be compared with observational data and theoretical models.
You will join the high-energy astrophysics group at Southampton and collaborate with leading researchers from around the world.
