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。这个低密度、热等离子体的计算机模型是天文学界的支柱。它可以在网上免费获得(http://nimbus.pa.uky.edu/cloudy/c90.htm)，并用于生成理论发射线光谱，用于分析各种天体物理对象，特别是活动星系核(AGN)的光谱。对Cloudy的拟议改进将利用计算机技术的最新进步，使其能够使用更快的处理器。目标是在红外光谱和类星体的多级氢发射线光谱中呈现更真实的物理光谱。该项目的资金来自NSF河外天文和宇宙学计划(AST/EXC)。*

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).***