NFYK14018U Computational astrophysics: star and planet formation

Volume 2015/2016
Education

M.Sc. Physics

Content

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.

Learning Outcome

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.

Literature

P. Bodenheimer, G. P. Laughlin, M. Rozyczka, T. Plewa, H. W. Yorke: “Numerical Methods in Astrophysics”.  Complemented with lecture notes.

Bachelor courses: "Galakser" and "Planetsystemer og stjernedannelse". The M.Sc. course The Interstellar Medium and Formation of Stars is recommended but not required
Lectures, exercises and projects work
Restricted elective for specialisation "Astrophysics". The course is given every year.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Exam
  • 30
  • Lectures
  • 28
  • Preparation
  • 92
  • Project work
  • 28
  • Theory exercises
  • 28
  • Total
  • 206
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Continuous assessment
Written assignment
The exam consists of two parts:
The continuous part of the evaluation counts for 70% of the final grade.
The written 7-day report counts for 30% of the final grade.
Exam registration requirements

the student must have participated in minimum 60% of the practical exercises.

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.year.”

Criteria for exam assesment

see learning outcome