NFYK14018U Computational astrophysics: star and planet formation
Introduction to computational methods used in star- and planet formation research, with relevance to the 2009-2019 DNRF-financed research center STARPLAN (www.starplan.dk). Particularly in focus in this course are new and revolutionary possibilities to model star- and planet formation on supercomputers. To be able to construct and analyze such models requires a basic understanding of gas dynamics, gravitational collapse, and radiative energy transfer. The method-goal of this course is to give students the necessary basic knowledge in this connection; including introducing the most common concepts and key-words; free-fall time, dynamic time, Reynolds number, Stokes number, Alfvén speed, optical depth, spectral synthesis, etc. The course exercises introduce and illustrate these concepts, and give a “hands-on” feeling for how and in what context they are used.
Skills
- Modeling the dynamics of the interstellar medium
- Modeling gravitational collapse
- Solving the radiation transfer equation
- Using radiative transfer in connection with analysis and modeling of observations
- Modeling dust dynamics and gas-dust interaction
- Reporting on current theories and models of star and planet formation.
Knowledge
The student will come to know the fundamental equations that govern
astrophysical gas dynamics, including radiative energy transfer and
coupled gas-dust dynamics. In addition the student will achieve
knowledge of the basic computational techniques used in the
modeling of star and planet formation, including the principles of
the adaptive mesh refinement technique for computer modeling.
Competences
The course gives basic competences in numerical modeling, with
particular focus on applications aimed at understanding star and
planet formation. The course will establish a foundation for a
M.Sc. project in computational astrophysics.
The Formation of Stars, Steven W. Stahler, Francesco
Palla, ISBN 3-527-40559-3.Wiley-VCH January 2005 (mandatory)
Selected research papers (web and/or handout
material)
- Category
- Hours
- Exam
- 30
- Lectures
- 28
- Preparation
- 92
- Project work
- 28
- Theory exercises
- 28
- Total
- 206
As
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- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Type of assessment
- OtherThe exam consists of two parts:
The continuous part of the evaluation counts for 40% of the final grade.
The written 7-day report counts for 60% of the final grade. - Marking scale
- 7-point grading scale
- Censorship form
- No external censorship
two internal examiners; the course responsible and an internal censor.
- Re-exam
- The re-exam consists of two parts: A 4-day report (Monday to Thursday) with an oral defense (Friday) counting for 60% of the grade. New exercise solutions can be handed in to cover the continuous part of the evaluation (40%) no later than 2 weeks before the start of the 4-day report.
Criteria for exam assesment
see learning outcome
Course information
- Language
- English
- Course code
- NFYK14018U
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Level
- Full Degree Master
- Duration
- 1 block
- Placement
- Block 2
- Schedule
- A (Tues 8-12 + Thurs 8-17)
- Course capacity
- no limit
- Continuing and further education
- Study board
- Study Board of Physics, Chemistry and Nanoscience
Contracting department
- The Niels Bohr Institute
Course responsibles
- Åke Nordlund (aake@nbi.ku.dk)
Lecturers
Åke Nordlund, telefon: 21 45 49 83, e-mail: aake@nbi.dk