Erika Holmbeck, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
When
TAP Stellar & Nuclear Astrophysics Initiative Computational Workshop
Erika Holmbeck, LLNL - Visit Dates: November 16-20, 2026
Two Sessions: Nov 17 & 18
Title: Astrophysical Reaction Networks
Abstract / overview
We are taught in our astronomy classes that elements heavier than iron are made in explosive astrophysical environments like supernovae. To understand the creation of the heavy elements further, we need to understand the complicated interplay between nuclear physics and astrophysics. Nuclear reaction networks are our main tool to study this complexity. A nuclear reaction network evolves reaction rates between nuclei dynamically as the density and temperature of an astrophysical environment change, allowing us to explore how the elements change over time. This workshop will teach the basics behind nuclear reaction network codes: how they work, their typical input and output, embedded assumptions, etc., and will share the PRISM code as an example. PRISM is optimized for the creation of the heaviest nuclei via rapid neutron capture: a process that occurs in neutron star merger environments. Participants of this workshop will learn how to use this code and understand reaction networks in general.
- Understand the basic equations in reaction networks
- Be able to run PRISM
- Be able to visualize PRISM output
- Be able to change PRISM input
- Participants will ssh into titan1. To do this, we need you to provide to us your public ssh key.
- Here are the instructions to find your public ssh key: Generate ssh key instructions (Pg 1 Windows; Pg 2 Mac OS)
- A PowerPoint slide deck with some basics on how to use the code
- A related publication for a different reaction network