Purdue University will receive $291,874 from the National Science Foundation under the Mathematical and Physical Sciences program (CFDA 47.049) to investigate the interaction and long-term evolution of astrophysical binary systems with surrounding disks of matter through September 2025. A team led by the principal investigator will perform comprehensive two- and three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic and hydrodynamical simulations of binaries interacting with gas disks. As a product of the research, the researchers will create a binary evolution and light-curve library needed to interpret electromagnetic and gravitational wave observations. The work will address open questions about how disk torques impact binary orbits and mass ratios over time under varying conditions. The principal investigator will also mentor a graduate student, with a focus on involving underrepresented groups in astronomy and astrophysics. This award supports the goals of NSF's Windows on the Universe "Big Idea."
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