On Validating an Astrophysical Simulation Code

Details On Validating an Astrophysical Simulation Code On Validating an Astrophysical Simulation Code

2002-06-14

arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0206251v1

Astrophys.J.Suppl. 143 (2002) 201-230

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

76 pages, 26 figures (3 color), Accepted for publication in the ApJS

Scientific paper

10.1086/342267

We present a case study of validating an astrophysical simulation code. Our study focuses on validating FLASH, a parallel, adaptive-mesh hydrodynamics code for studying the compressible, reactive flows found in many astrophysical environments. We describe the astrophysics problems of interest and the challenges associated with simulating these problems. We describe methodology and discuss solutions to difficulties encountered in verification and validation. We describe verification tests regularly administered to the code, present the results of new verification tests, and outline a method for testing general equations of state. We present the results of two validation tests in which we compared simulations to experimental data. The first is of a laser-driven shock propagating through a multi-layer target, a configuration subject to both Rayleigh-Taylor and Richtmyer-Meshkov instabilities. The second test is a classic Rayleigh-Taylor instability, where a heavy fluid is supported against the force of gravity by a light fluid. Our simulations of the multi-layer target experiments showed good agreement with the experimental results, but our simulations of the Rayleigh-Taylor instability did not agree well with the experimental results. We discuss our findings and present results of additional simulations undertaken to further investigate the Rayleigh-Taylor instability.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

On Validating an Astrophysical Simulation Code does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with On Validating an Astrophysical Simulation Code, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and On Validating an Astrophysical Simulation Code will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-98753