A new modeling approach for turbulent astrophysical flows

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Jens Niemeyer
• Subject Area: Astrophysics and Astronomy
• Term: from 2005 to 2011
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 14045207

We propose to develop, implement, and apply a new numerical scheme for modeling turbulent, multiphase astrophysical flows such as galaxy cluster cores, exploding white dwarfs, and collapsing gas clouds. The method combines the capabilities of adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) and large eddy simulations (LES) to capture localized features and to represent unresolved turbulence, respectively; it will therefore be referred to as AMRLES. Recent advances in the field of dynamical subgrid-scale (SGS) models for LES of thermonuclear Supernovae made by our group enable us for the first time to formulate a self-consistent SGS model on adaptive meshes based on local similarity arguments for turbulent transport. Continuing our promising first tests, we propose to implement a full dynamical SGS model into the existing AMR hydrocode ENZO, followed by simulations of thermonuclear Supernovae, star forming clouds, and cluster turbulence in collaboration with international experts in these fields.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Participating Person: Professor Christian Klingenberg, Ph.D.