Structure and Dynamics of Neutral Gas in Spiral Galaxies: Numerical Models

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AST-0507315OstrikerThis research seeks to advance theoretical understanding of the interstellar medium (ISM) via a series of time-dependent numerical magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations. It will build on previous work to launch a new inquiry into aspects of structure and dynamics in the ISM over a large range of spatial scales. By incorporating new physics in MHD simulations, this study will investigate thermodynamic balance in the turbulent atomic ISM, morphological and temporal properties of diffuse ISM clouds, mixed-component, magnetized galactic gas disks, spiral arm spurs and spiral shocks, and secular co-evolution of spiral density waves in star-gas systems. The work includes developing diagnostics for comparing simulation results with observations.These projects connect to other active areas of astronomy and astrophysics, especially radio astronomy, and the technical objectives will contribute to the building and use of widely applicable computational tools. There will be significant student training and mentoring, with an emphasis on under-represented groups. Simulation data sets will be released to interested scientists. The principal researcher expects to continue her current wide-reaching efforts in outreach, public relations and community service.