ASP3162 - Computational astrophysics and the extreme universe

There is a more recent version of this academic item available.

Overview

In this unit you will learn the basic principles of astrophysical fluid dynamics and how it can be used to model the most extreme events in the universe. The unit covers the basic equations of compressible hydrodynamics, including the behaviour of linear waves, the transition to shocks and the behaviour of fluids at high Mach number. You will apply this to understand the physical processes that power accreting sources including white dwarfs, neutron stars and black holes, and the physics behind the explosion of stars as supernovae. You will gain practical experience in computational fluid dynamics including basic programming skills and an understanding of how large scale astrophysical simulations are performed.

Offerings

S2-01-CLAYTON-ON-CAMPUS

Rules

Enrolment Rule

Contacts

Chief Examiner(s)

Dr Rosemary Mardling

Unit Coordinator(s)

Dr Rosemary Mardling

Notes

IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Scheduled teaching activities and/or workload information are subject to change in response to COVID-19, please check your Unit timetable and Unit Moodle site for more details.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you should be able to:

Demonstrate a basic understanding of astrophysical fluid dynamics, involving the physics of fluids at high Mach number, including sound waves and shocks.

Demonstrate practical skills in scientific computing, computational modelling, data analysis and visualisation.

Perform computer simulations of astrophysical flows using advanced astrophysical simulation codes, and demonstrate an understanding of the physics and mathematics behind modern large-scale astrophysical simulations.

Obtain understanding of high-energy astrophysics phenomena such as supernovae and gamma-ray bursts, compact objects, and matter under extreme astrophysical conditions such in the interiors of stars. This includes nuclear reactions and numerical modelling of simple nuclear reaction networks.

Teaching approach

Active learning

The computer-based workshops will bring together the theoretical knowledge and numerical techniques discussed in lectures. No background in numerical methods and computing is assumed. Beginning with the fundamentals of numerical methods and simple coding, you will build on this foundation week by week until a simple but professional computational astrophysics code is achieved. It is therefore vital that you attend workshops and keep up to date with weekly projects.

Assessment

1 - Workshops

2 - Assignments (10% each)

3 - Examination (3 hours and 10 minutes)

Scheduled and non-scheduled teaching activities

Lectures

Workshops

Workload requirements

Workload

Learning resources

Recommended resources

Other unit costs

Costs are indicative and subject to change.
Scientific non- programable calculator Required - $30
Miscellaneous items required (Printing, Stationery) - $20

Availability in areas of study

Astrophysics
Physics