Rechnergestützte Astrophysik

What it is about

You will learn how astrophysical questions can be realistically modeled with numerical methods. In the end you will know central algorithms for handling gravity, hydrodynamics, magnetohydrodynamics, relativistic flows, nuclear reactions and radiation transport and you will be able to build and apply simple numerical codes for such processes.

What you will be able to do

• Understand the fundamentals of numerical methods in astrophysics
• Know methods for computing the gravitational potential of self-gravitating bodies
• Be able to perform hydrodynamic simulations including shock treatment
• Possess basic knowledge of numerical methods for magnetohydrodynamic and relativistic flows
• Be able to apply numerical schemes for modeling astrophysical processes (e.g. nuclear burning)
• Ability to develop simple astrophysical codes with the discussed building blocks

What the module consists of

• VorlesungConveying foundations and selected current topics; interactive scientific discussions
• Hausaufgaben (Jupyter Notebooks)Deepening the material; completion replaces the oral examination
• Begleitende InternetseiteProvision of materials and notebooks

Teaching method

• PräsenzvorlesungStructured presentation of basic knowledge and current topics; stimulation of analytical thinking through discussion
• Hausaufgaben in Jupyter NotebooksPractical application and deepening of the lecture content; basis for the performance assessments
• Selbststudium (Vorlesungsnotizen, Lehrbücher, Review-Artikel)Post-processing and practice of the material to achieve the learning outcomes