Cristiano Longarini, Cambridge University
When
TAP Planet Formation Initiative Computational Workshop
Cristiano Longarini, Cambridge University
Visit Dates: Sep 28 - Oct 10
Title: Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) Methods in Astrophysics
Abstract: In astrophysics, direct laboratory experiments are not possible, which makes numerical simulations an indispensable tool for exploring the physical processes that govern the universe. From the dynamics of accretion discs to the evolution of galaxies, from turbulence in the interstellar medium to the interaction between stars and their environments, hydrodynamical simulations are central to our understanding of how gas and dust shape cosmic structures on multiple scales. There are two fundamental approaches to computational hydrodynamics: the Eulerian (grid-based) and the Lagrangian (particle-based) formulations, each with distinct advantages and challenges. In this hands-on workshop we will focus on the Lagrangian method known as Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH), which is particularly well-suited to modelling astrophysical fluids in highly dynamic and complex environments. Participants will be introduced to the core principles of SPH and will gain practical experience running their own simulation using PHANTOM, a state-of-the-art SPH code widely employed in astrophysical research. By the end of the session, attendees will have both a conceptual understanding of the method and the technical skills to set up, run, and analyse hydrodynamical simulations relevant to a broad range of astrophysical contexts.
Learning objectives:
1) Understand the difference between Eulerian and Lagrangian approach in computational hydrodynamics
2) Learn the basics of SPH algorithms
3) Using the code PHANTOM to set up and run an hydrodynamical simulation.
Before the Workshop please follow the Installation Guide for PHANTOM and SPLASH:
This guide will walk you through the installation of PHANTOM (Smoothed Particle
Hydrodynamics code) and SPLASH (visualization tool for SPH data). All steps below
assume you are working on MacOS, Linux, or Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL, Ubuntu).
1. Download and Compile PHANTOM
https://phantomsph.readthedocs.io
PHANTOM is hosted on GitHub. To install:
git clone https://github.com/danieljprice/phantom.git
cd phantom
# Compile the code - optional
make SYSTEM=gfortran
Note: You will need a Fortran compiler (e.g. gfortran >= 7.0) and build tools (make, cmake).
2. Install SPLASH (Visualization Tool)
https://splash-viz.readthedocs.io
We will use SPLASH to visualize simulation outputs. Please avoid compiling from source
unless strictly necessary.
MacOS (recommended via Homebrew)
brew tap danieljprice/all
brew install splash
Linux or Windows Subsystem for Linux (Ubuntu)
sudo apt-get install splash