In the past decade filaments have been recognised as a major structural element of the interstellar medium, the densest of these filaments hosting the formation of most stars. In some star-forming molecular clouds converging networks of filaments, also known as hub filament systems, can be found. These hubs are believed to be preferentially associated with massive star formation, probably a consequence of the gravitational collapse of the parent molecular cloud (Peretto+2013; Williams+2018, Anderson+2021). However, the detailed nature, evolution, and properties of the accretion flows that connect the larger-scale cloud structures to the surface of young massive stars are very much debated.
Recently, we successfully obtained a high-resolution ALMA survey of more than a 1000 star-forming clumps (Rigby+2021), each of which have already been classified as a function of their hub-like appearance (Peretto+2021). This state-of-the-art dataset will allow us to resolve individual star-forming cores, i.e. the progenitors of individual stars, but also map out the morphology and kinematics of accretions flows that are connected to these cores. The large statistics provided by this survey will provide a unique opportunity to reveal how gas flows within hubs and unveil what makes them so efficient at forming massive stars.
Eligibility
The typical academic requirement is a minimum of a 2:1 physics and astronomy or a relevant discipline.
Applicants whose first language is not English are normally expected to meet the minimum University requirements (e.g. 6.5 IELTS) (https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/international/english-language-requirements)
Applicants should apply to the Doctor of Philosophy in Physics and Astronomy with a start date of 1st October 2022.
Applicants should submit an application for postgraduate study via the Cardiff University webpages (https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/programmes/programme/physics-and-astronomy) including:
• your academic CV
• a personal statement/covering letter
• two references, at least one of which should be academic
• Your degree certificates and transcripts to date.
In the "Research Proposal" section of your application, please specify the project title and supervisors of this project. You can apply for up to three of our advertised STFC projects by listing them in order of preference in the freetext area of the "Research Proposal" section of the online application form.
In the funding section, please select that you will not be self funding and write that the source of funding will be STFC.
Once the deadline for applications has passed we will review your application and advise your within a few weeks if you have been shortlisted for an interview.
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