TAP Computation & Data Initiative Computational Workshop - Joana Kramer

TAP Computation & Data Initiative Workshop

Joana Kramer, Los Alamos National Laboratory

Visit Dates:  Sep 28 - Oct 2

2-Session Workshop:  Sep 30 and Oct 1, both at 10:00-11:00 am   

Title:  Numerical Astrophysics with PLUTO: Physics, Code, and Applications

Abstract:  This workshop provides a focused introduction to the PLUTO code for astrophysical fluid dynamics through two complementary sessions. 

The first session covers the physical foundations of plasma astrophysics, including thermodynamics, conservation laws, and their numerical representation in PLUTO’s modular framework. We will discuss the available physics modules—ranging from classical hydrodynamics and magnetohydrodynamics to relativistic (resistive) MHD and radiation-MHD—and highlight their applicability to diverse astrophysical environments.

The second session turns to the source code structure, numerical methods, and strategies for maintaining the divergence-free condition of the magnetic field. Participants will be guided through a progression of standard test problems, beginning with relativistic hydrodynamic shock tubes and culminating in full relativistic MHD jet simulations.

Together, these sessions are designed to provide participants with both the theoretical background and the practical skills needed to set up, run, and analyze PLUTO simulations for their own research.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand plasma physics, conservation laws, and PLUTO’s physics modules.
2. Learn PLUTO’s code structure and numerical methods
3. Run and analyze tests from shock tubes to RMHD jets.
4. Adapt modules to design custom astrophysical simulations.

Pre-Installation of PLUTO:

https://plutocode.ph.unito.it/download.html
 

Information:
https://plutocode.ph.unito.it/userguide.pdf
https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2007ApJS..170..228M/abstract
https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2012nmhe.book..219M/abstract
https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2021A%26A...656A.143K/abstract