Magnetohydrodynamical Simulations of Black Hole Accretion

University Of Virginia Main Campus, Charlottesville VA

Investigators

Abstract

ABSTRACT Hawley, John "Magnetohydrodynamical Simulations of Black Hole Accretion" AST-0070979 Hawley and Balbus are conducting a detailed theoretical and computational study of orbiting gas around gravitating compact objects. Their approach will include both numerical simulations and analytic solutions for black hole accretion disks in a 3-dimensional magnetohydrodynamical framework. The latter is essential because of the overwhelming influence of magnetic fields and relativistic forces on the accretion disks to be studied. The principle focus of this project will be on developing a grid of realistic models for black hole accretion disks to which ground- and space-based observations can ultimately be compared. Funding for this project was provided by the NSF programs for Stellar Astronomy & Astrophysics (AST/SAA) and Extragalactic Astronomy & Cosmology (AST/EXC).