Prof. Jim Lidsey Project Abstracts
BSc Project Abstracts
MSci Review Project Abstracts
MSci Research/Investigative Project Abstracts
Inflationary Cosmology
Early Universe cosmology. This project will discuss the flatness and horizon problems of the standard, Big Bang theory and explain how a period of accelerated expansion (inflation) can resolve these problems. The cosmic dynamics of massive scalar fields that drove inflation will be developed. Observational parameters (that are ultimately determined by particle physics considerations) will be derived. The methods for linking such parameters with anisotropies in the Cosmic Microwave Background will be explained and some specific models analysed. The consequences for inflation of the first- year data from the Planck satellite will be discussed.
Inflationary Cosmology and Large-Scale Structure Inflationary Cosmology
Inflationary Cosmology, whereby the universe underwent a phase of accelerated expansion in its most distant past, is the cornerstone of modern, Early Universe cosmology. The flatness/horizon problems of the standard Big Bang will be discussed. The resolution of these problems through inflation will be explained. This project will focus on how the cosmic dynamics of inflation laid down the initial conditions for the formation of galaxies and clusters of galaxies, by the present era. The linear theory of density perturbation growth will be developed to provide a link with recent observations. Some specific models will be tested.
Mathematical Aspects of Inflationary and Dark Energy Cosmologies
Modern observations strongly indicate that the universe underwent a phase of accelerated expansion in its most distant past (inflation) and is currently undergoinng a second phase of such expansion at the present epoch (dark energy/quintessence). Although the underlying physics is manifestly different in each scenario, the ordinary differential equations that determine the cosmic expansion share many mathematical features. This project will discuss various mathematical techniques, such as change orf variables, that can be employed to solve these equations analytically in a variety of settings. Some exact solutions will be derived.
