Student Posters Repository

Understanding the processes that drive galaxy formation and shape the observed properties of galaxies is an important and challenging frontier problem of modern astrophysics. The role of cosmic rays (CRs), high-energy particles accelerated in supernovae, in the evolution of galaxies has recently begun to receive significant attention due to the realization that they can efficiently accelerate galactic winds and heat the interstellar medium. Simulations of the interactions between gas, stars, and CRs in a galaxy help probe these phenomena in a way that is otherwise difficult. Recent improvements in computational power and algorithm efficiencies have made it possible to move beyond purely hydrodynamic simulations of the galactic environment, to magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations. Modeling CR transport through the galaxy requires simplifying assumptions and remains an open research question. The central objective of our research is to significantly increase the realism of these simulations. We will conduct three-dimensional coupled cosmic-ray MHD simulations of a galactic disk in order to identify key CR physics that could influence the evolution of a galaxy.