107 research outputs found
A framework for large-scale relativistic simulations in the characteristic approach
We present a new computational framework (LEO), that enables us to carry out
the very first large-scale, high-resolution computations in the context of the
characteristic approach in numerical relativity. At the analytic level, our
approach is based on a new implementation of the ``eth'' formalism, using a
non-standard representation of the spin-raising and lowering angular operators
in terms of non-conformal coordinates on the sphere; we couple this formalism
to a partially first-order reduction (in the angular variables) of the Einstein
equations. The numerical implementation of our approach supplies the basic
building blocks for a highly parallel, easily extensible numerical code. We
demonstrate the adaptability and excellent scaling of our numerical code by
solving, within our numerical framework, for a scalar field minimally coupled
to gravity (the Einstein-Klein-Gordon problem) in 3-dimensions. The nonlinear
code is globally second-order convergent, and has been extensively tested using
as reference a calibrated code with the same boundary-initial data and radial
marching algorithm. In this context, we show how accurately we can follow
quasi-normal mode ringing. In the linear regime, we show energy conservation
for a number of initial data sets with varying angular structure. A striking
result that arises in this context is the saturation of the flow of energy
through the Schwarzschild radius. As a final calibration check we perform a
large simulation with resolution never achieved before.Comment: RevTeX4, 22 pages, 21 figures, to appear in Phys. Rev.
Early Planet Formation in Embedded Disks (eDisk). I. Overview of the Program and First Results
We present an overview of the Large Program, ``Early Planet Formation in
Embedded Disks (eDisk)'', conducted with the Atacama Large
Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA). The ubiquitous detections of
substructures, particularly rings and gaps, in protoplanetary disks around T
Tauri stars raise the possibility that at least some planet formation may have
already started during the embedded stages of star formation. In order to
address exactly how and when planet formation is initiated, the program focuses
on searching for substructures in disks around 12 Class 0 and 7 Class I
protostars in nearby (200 pc) star-forming regions through 1.3 mm continuum
observations at a resolution of au (0.04"). The initial results show
that the continuum emission, mostly arising from dust disks around the sample
protostars, has relatively few distinctive substructures, such as rings and
spirals, in marked contrast to Class II disks. The dramatic difference may
suggest that substructures quickly develop in disks when the systems evolve
from protostars to Class II sources or alternatively that high optical depth of
the continuum emission could obscure internal structures. Kinematic information
obtained through CO isotopologue lines and other lines reveals the presence of
Keplerian disks around protostars, providing us with crucial physical
parameters, in particular, the dynamical mass of the central protostars. We
describe the background of the eDisk program, the sample selection and their
ALMA observations, the data reduction, and also highlight representative
first-look results.Comment: This is a publication of a series of eDisk ALMA large program
first-look paper
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