Computational astrophysics and the extreme universe

In this unit you will learn the basic principles of astrophysical fluid dynamics and how it can be used to model the most extreme events in the universe. The unit covers the basic equations of compressible hydrodynamics, including the behaviour of linear waves, the transition to shocks and the behaviour of fluids at high Mach number. You will apply this to understand the physical processes that power accreting sources including white dwarfs, neutron stars and black holes, and the physics behind the explosion of stars as supernovae. You will gain practical experience in computational fluid dynamics including basic programming skills and an understanding of how large scale astrophysical simulations are performed.