Modelling Plasma Outflows in Compact Pulsar Binary Systems

Project Description:

Millisecond pulsars in compact binary systems, known as Black Widow and Redback pulsars, continuously strip material away from their lightweight companion stars through energetic particle winds and radiation, producing complex plasma outflows whose dynamics are still not fully understood. This project will use computational simulations and orbital modelling techniques to investigate how plasma emitted from the ablated companion evolves within the binary system under the influence of orbital motion, gravity, and pulsar wind interactions. The student will study particle trajectories, plasma tail formation, and density evolution using Python-based numerical simulations and scientific visualisation tools. Understanding the behaviour of these plasma outflows is an important step toward future studies of radio eclipse formation and plasma propagation effects in spider pulsar systems, while providing training in computational astrophysics, plasma physics, and compact binary dynamics.

Research Area:

Astrophysics

Project Level:

Masters

This Project Is Offered At The Following Node(s):

(UKZN)(NWU)

Special Requirements:

Basic programming experience in Python and familiarity with Linux-based scientific computing environments are desirable but not mandatory. An interest in computational astrophysics, numerical simulations, plasma physics, and compact object astrophysics is expected. Training and guidance on the required computational and scientific tools will be provided during the course of the project.