Astrophysical Cosmology: A Multi-Epoch Approach

AST-9803137 Norman 这个多机构项目是前Grand Challenge Cosmology Consortium的协调努力，旨在系统地探索多个时代结构形成理论的观测结果，包括重组，第一结构形成，再电离以及星系，星系团和大尺度结构的形成。 这种宇宙学的多历元方法是有意义的，因为冷暗物质宇宙起源在数学上是精确的，在宇宙演化的所有阶段都做出了明确的预测，z小于或等于10^9。 该方法现在是可行的凭借一套新的多物理场，高分辨率流体动力学宇宙学代码的团队已经开发了下一代的万亿次并行超级计算机。 气体和辐射的物理学虽然在计算上具有挑战性，但仍然是理解的，我们能够利用几十年的经典天体物理学研究来构建我们的模型。 预计计算机能力的提高将大大提高模型的可靠性。 该项目得到了NSF天文科学部、物理科学部以及知识和分布式智能倡议的支持。 ***

AST-9803137 Norman This multi-institution project is a coordinated effort by the former Grand Challenge Cosmology Consortium to explore systematically the observational consequences of theories of structure formation across multiple epochs, including recombinations, first structure formation, reionization, and the formation of galaxies, clusters, and large scale structure. This multi-epoch approach to cosmology is meaningful because cold dark matter cosmogonies are mathematically precise, making definite predictions at all stages of cosmic evolution z less than or equal to 10^9. The approach is now feasible by virtue of a new suite of multiphysics, high resolution hydrodynamic cosmology codes the team has developed for the coming generation of teraflopscale parallel supercomputers. The physics of the gas and radiation, while computationally challenging, is nonetheless understood, and we are able to draw upon decades of classical astrophysics research in building our models. The anticipated increase in computer power will improve the reliability of the models considerably. This project is supported by NSF's Division of Astronomical Science, the Division of Physical Sciences, and the Knowledge and Distributed Intelligence Initiative. ***