Faculty and Student Teams Program

Project Descriptions

Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Physics Division

Nuclear Physics to Determine the Synthesis of Elements Occurring When Stars Explode

Requesting applications from science or engineering faculty members at institutions serving students underrepresented in science, engineering, mathematics and technology to work on the following projects at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Project Description

Nuclear Astrophysics, the fastest growing research area in nuclear science, addresses such compelling questions as: What are the origins of the elements that make up our bodies and our world? How did the solar system, the sun, the stars, and the galaxy form, and how do they evolve? Measurements and theoretical descriptions of microscopic nuclear physics phenomena provide a foundation for sophisticated models of macroscopic astrophysical systems ranging from the Big Bang to the inner workings of our own Sun to the explosions of stars. At ORNL, we are using unique beams of radioactive subatomic nuclei to directly measure the nuclear reactions that drive stars to explode and synthesize life-giving elements. We couple these measurements to data evaluations and computer simulations of exploding stars. This FaST project will involve participation in a nuclear reaction measurement at our facility combined with nuclear astrophysics calculations using unique ORNL software tools to help understand how stars explode. The participant Faculty and students will assist in the experimental setup, data collection, and beginning data analysis (to be continued back at their home institution). They will also carry out calculations - using their new nuclear physics input - to determine the synthesis of elements occurring when stars explode.

Laboratory Contact: Michael Smith, smithms@ornl.gov or msmith@mail.phy.ornl.gov

Applicants’ Responsibilities and Relationship to Project

Applicants will receive support under the Department of Energy Faculty Student Team Research Program (FaST) to work collaboratively with the project research team at the Laboratory for up to 10 weeks during the summer of 2008. The exact appointment period in the time frame of June to August will be scheduled by mutual agreement between the host divisions at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the successful applicant. Faculty will be expected to identify students from their campuses to participate in the FaST program. The faculty member will provide some mentorship to students during the summer research activities. The faculty and students must participate as a group and serve their appointments concurrently. It is expected that the faculty member and the students become an integral part of the research team working on this project and that opportunities for continued collaboration may be identified.

Qualifications of Ideal Candidate

The FaST Faculty member needs to have experience in low energy nuclear physics measurements and some familiarity with basic concepts in nuclear astrophysics. Those with a desire to continue collaborations beyond the summer appointment are particularly encouraged to apply. Students should be Physics majors, with strong laboratory and /or computer skills.

Support and Financial Commitments

The successful candidate will receive a stipend based on the academic salary, travel expenses to and from the Laboratory, and a housing allowance. Students recommended by the faculty member for participation in the program will receive a stipend of $400/week for each week at the Laboratory, plus a housing allowance, and reimbursement for transportation expenses to and from the ORNL. Funds are provided for this program from the US Department of Energy, Office of Science in partnership with the National Science Foundation, from ORNL, and from other sources.

See Financial Information.