Emission processes and dynamics of hot gases in astrophysics

A detailed model was developed for Kepler's supernova remnant (SNR). Observations of the SNR revealed a strong interaction with the surrounding circumstellar medium, which was studied through both analytical and numerical calculations. Effects were studied of electron thermal conduction on the structure of radiative interstellar shock waves. An explanation is sought for the observed line emission from metal rich ejecta in SNR, incorporating atomic data. Light echoes around SN 1987A was also studied. Analysis of infrared and scattered circumstellar light echoes was accomplished with early observations to set limits on the mass of circumstellar dust. Work was completed on the emission from heavy element gas ejected in the supernova explosion of massive stars. It was assumed that a radioactive energy source was present and calculated the detailed heating and ionization of the gas. The evolution was studied of SNR in the very high pressure environment of a starburst galaxy.