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Paper: Simulating Coupling Complexity in Space Plasmas
Volume: 359, Numerical Modeling of Space Plasma Flows: Astronum-2006
Page: 62
Authors: Zank, G.P.; Pogorelov, N.V.; Raeder, J.; Florinski, V.; Heerikhuisen, J.; Shaikh, D.; Kryukov, I.A.; Borovikov, S.N.
Abstract: With the support of a National Science Foundation Information Technology Research (ITR) grant, we are attempting to advance computational physics by developing a new class of computational code for plasmas and neutral gases that integrates multiple scales and multiple physical processes and descriptions. We are developing a highly modular, parallelized, scalable code that incorporates macroscopic scales and “microscales” by synthesizing initially three simulation technologies: 1) Computational fluid dynamics (hydrodynamics or magneto-hydrodynamics-MHD) for the large-scale plasma; 2) direct Monte Carlo simulation of atoms/neutral gas, and 3) transport code solvers to model highly energetic particle distributions. If the code development proceeds satisfactorily, we will also incorporate hybrid simulations for microscale structures and particle distributions. By synthesizing continuum and kinetic descriptions for plasmas and gases, we will provide a computational tool that will advance our understanding of the physics of neutral and charged gases enormously. Besides making major advances in basic plasma physics and neutral gas problems (e.g., reconnection, shock wave physics, etc.), this project will address 3 Grand Challenge space physics problems that reflect our research interests: 1) To develop a temporal global heliospheric model which includes the interaction of solar and interstellar plasma with neutral populations (hydrogen, helium, etc., and dust), kinetic pickup ion acceleration at the termination shock, anomalous cosmic ray production, interaction with galactic cosmic rays, while incorporating the time variability of the solar wind and the solar cycle. 2) To develop a coronal mass ejection and interplanetary shock propagation model for the inner and outer heliosphere, including wave-particle interactions and particle acceleration at travelling shock waves and compression regions. 3) To develop an advanced adaptive Geospace General Circulation Model (GGCM) that includes Hall and kinetic subgrid physics and is capable of realistically modelling space weather events, in particular the interaction with CMEs and geomagnetic storms. Our progress to date is summarized in this report.
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