Numerical Simulations of Non-equilibrium Plasmas, With Application to Active Galactic Nuclei

在这个项目中，PI Ferland将对等离子体模拟代码CLOUDY进行重大改进。这种低密度热等离子体的计算机模型是天文学界的主流。它可以在网上免费获得（http://nimbus.pa.uky.edu/cloudy/c90.htm），用于生成理论发射谱线，用于分析各种各样的天体物理对象，特别强调活动星系核（agn）的光谱。cloud的改进方案将利用计算机技术的最新进展，使其能够使用更快的处理器。目标是在类星体的红外光谱和多能级氢发射谱线中绘制更真实的光谱。本项目由美国国家科学基金会星系外天文学和宇宙学项目（AST/EXC）资助

AST-0071180FerlandIn this project, PI Ferland will implement major improvements in the plasma simulation code CLOUDY. This computer model of a low density, hot plasma is a mainstay of the astronomical community. It is freely available on the web ( http://nimbus.pa.uky.edu/cloudy/c90.htm ) and is used to generate theoretical emission line spectra which are used in the analysis of a wide variety of astrophysical objects, with special emphasis on the spectra of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs). The proposed improvements to CLOUDY will make use of the recent advances in computer technology which allow it to use faster processors. The goal is to render a more physically realistic spectrum both in the Infrared as well as the multi level hydrogen emission line spectrum of Quasars.Funding for this project was provided by the NSF program for Extragalactic Astronomy & Cosmology (AST/EXC).***