Project Grant 2606127

The National Science Foundation Division of Astronomical Sciences awarded the University of Texas at Arlington $280,229 on September 1, 2026, under the Mathematical and Physical Sciences program (CFDA 47.049) to establish theoretical frameworks for mass transfer processes in eccentric interacting binary systems.

The recipient will develop and apply a nonlinear hydrodynamic model capable of studying mass transfer in binary systems with arbitrarily eccentric orbits, addressing a gap in current astrophysical theory that relies primarily on short-duration numerical simulations unable to capture long-term orbital changes. The work will examine how mass loss modifies orbital mechanics and donor structure, investigate impacts of nonlinear dissipation, and create a unifying theoretical framework connecting theory with numerical simulations to enable their validation, interpretation, and extrapolation. The resulting models will inform understanding of diverse astrophysical phenomena including repeated partial tidal disruption events around massive black holes and high-eccentricity migration of exoplanets.

The collaborative research team spans universities in Montana, Virginia, and Texas. The project includes educational components: strengthening STEM education in rural Montana, mentoring undergraduates through a summer program in Texas, and developing Python notebooks emphasizing programming, mathematics, physics, and astronomy fundamentals to support undergraduate research initiation.

Performance occurs at the University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas, with a period of performance from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2029. The assistance type is a Project Grant.