Numerical MHD Simulations in Dynamical Spacetimes

Numerical relativity probes some of the most energetic events in the universe using computer simulations. These simulations must account for the relevant physical processes while, at the same time, evolving the spacetime according to Einstein's equations of general relativity. In particular, magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) and relativistic gravity are of crucial importance in astrophysical phenomena such as stellar collapse to black holes, binary neutron star mergers, supernovae, and gamma-ray bursts. Many of these phenomena are promising sources of GWs for detectors such as LIGO (the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory). The complex interplay of the magnetic field and fluid in a dynamically changing spacetime makes numerical simulations indispensable for studying such systems. We have developed a code which simultaneously solves the Einstein equations for the gravitational field, Maxwell's equations for the electromagnetic field, and the equations of relativistic magnetohydrodynamics for the fluid. We apply this code to study the evolution of magnetized differentially rotating neutron stars and magnetorotational core collapse.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Physics

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2015

Author dc:creator

• Stephens, Branson Craig

Contributors dc:contributor

• Shapiro, Stuart L.

• Physics, Theory

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

(MiAaPQ)AAI3290390

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/80555