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

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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).***