Published in Space Science Reviews, 2012, Vol. 166, pp. 281-291.
astro-ph/1204.3648

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GALAXIES IN A BOX: A SIMULATED VIEW OF THE INTERSTELLAR MEDIUM

Frederick A. Gent


School of Mathematics and Statistics, Herschel Building, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK


Abstract: We review progress in the development of physically realistic three dimensional simulated models of the galaxy. We consider the scales from star forming molecular clouds to the full spiral disc. Models are computed using hydrodynamic (HD) or magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equations and may include cosmic ray or tracer particles. The range of dynamical scales between the full galaxy structure and the turbulent scales of supernova (SN) explosions and even cloud collapse to form stars, make it impossible with current computing tools and resources to resolve all of these in one model. We therefore consider a hierarchy of models and how they can be related to enhance our understanding of the complete galaxy.

Keywords: ISM - Simulations - Magnetohydrodynamic - MHD - Hydrodynamic - Supernova - Cosmic rays - Magnetic field - Galaxy


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