Speaker
Volker Springel
(The Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies)
Description
Numerical simulations on supercomputers play an ever more important role in astrophysics. They have become the tool of choice to predict the non-linear outcome of the initial conditions left behind by the Big Bang, providing crucial tests of cosmological theories. However, the problem of galaxy and star formation confronts us with a staggering multi-physics complexity and an enormous dynamic range that severely challenges existing numerical methods. In my
talk, I review current strategies to address these problems, focusing on recent developments in the field such as hierarchical time integration schemes, improved particle- and mesh-based hydrodynamical solvers. I will also discuss a selection of current results and highlight
some challenges for the future.
