Accurate calculations for a number of heavy elements in various stages of ionization considering collisional excitation, radiative transitions, photoionization and recombination will be performed using the R-matrix method. The focus will be primarily on the Iron period elements in order to resolve the apparent overabundance of Ni relative to Iron in astronomical objects. Relativistic effects heretofore not considered will be incorporated into the calculations, an atomic database constructed and some astrophysical modelling performed. Close collaboration with the Opacity project is intended. The calculations will be performed on the Cray YMP at Ohio State at no cost to the NSF.
