event
Wednesday 04 Apr 2012: Angular Momentum Loss by Stellar Winds
Dr Sean Matt - Observatoire de Paris, Meudon
Physics, 4th floor 14:00-14:30
It is well-established that magnetised winds are responsible for explaining the observed spin-down of sun-like stars on long timescales. However, until a few years ago, our ability to predict the torque from stellar winds was based upon simple scaling arguments. With modern magnetohydrodynamic simulations, it is now possible to simulate magnetised stellar winds in multiple dimensions and to precisely quantify the torque and its dependence on stellar parameters. In my talk, I will describe our recent efforts to do this and to explore the consequences for the angular momentum evolution of stars. These calculations work together with (e.g.) observations of outflows, detailed magnetic field measurements of stars across the HR diagram, continuing advancements in stellar convection and dynamo models, and measurements and modelling of the evolution of stellar spin rates and activity, in order to paint a coherent picture of the evolution of stars, their internal dynamics, and the interaction with their environments.
