F9140 Problems in astrophysics

Faculty of Science
Autumn 2010 - only for the accreditation
Extent and Intensity
3/2/0. 4 credit(s) (plus extra credits for completion). Type of Completion: k (colloquium).
Teacher(s)
Mgr. Filip Hroch, Ph.D. (lecturer)
prof. Mgr. Jiří Krtička, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Mgr. Viktor Votruba, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Mgr. Filip Hroch, Ph.D. (seminar tutor)
prof. Mgr. Jiří Krtička, Ph.D. (seminar tutor)
Mgr. Viktor Votruba, Ph.D. (seminar tutor)
Guaranteed by
prof. RNDr. Michal Lenc, Ph.D.
Department of Theoretical Physics and Astrophysics – Physics Section – Faculty of Science
Contact Person: Mgr. Filip Hroch, Ph.D.
Prerequisites
Recommended lectures: (F4120) "Theoretical mechanics", F6040) "Thermodynamics and statistical physics", (F5330) "Basic numerical methods", (F6150) "Advanced numerical methods", (FC200) "Numerical optimization", (F7600) "Physics of stellar atmospheres".
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
The lectures are interested in solution of complex problems of modern astrophysics usually leading to an approximative or a numerical approach. The emphasis is focused to detailed theoretical analysis of a problem and on optimal selection of method for solution. The course is recommended for detailed understanding of recent development in astronomy.
Syllabus
  • Computational environment (compilers, building of executables, libraries).
  • Classical astronomy (transformation of coordinates, Kepler's equation, perturbation series).
  • Stellar model (description of internal structure of star, discreditation of equations).
  • Structure of galaxies (physical description, solution, visualization).
  • N-body systems (methods of integration, application on galaxy collision, structure of globular clusters).
  • Accretion disks (hydrodynamic models, spectrum, boundary layer).
  • Rayleigh-Taylor and Kelvin-Helmholtz instability (setup of problem, equations, visualisation).
  • Solar and stellar hydrodynamics wind.
  • Stellar spectrum (model of atmosphere, methods of solution, application on real data).
Literature
  • CARROLL, Bradley W. and Dale A. OSTLIE. An introduction to modern astrophysics. 2nd ed. San Francisco: Pearson Addison-Wesley, 2007, 1 v. ISBN 9780321442840. URL info
  • BODENHEIMER, Peter. Numerical methods in astrophysics : an introduction. New York: Taylor & Francis, 2007, 329 s. ISBN 9780750308830. info
Teaching methods
Lectures, class discussion, group projects, homeworks.
Assessment methods
Coursework homework. Colloquium.
Language of instruction
Czech
Further Comments
The course is taught annually.
The course is taught: every week.
The course is also listed under the following terms Autumn 2008, Autumn 2009, Autumn 2010, Autumn 2011 - acreditation.