A General Code for Modeling MHD Flows on Parallel Computers: Versatile Advection Code

Abstract

A general tool for solving MHD and hydrodynamical problems typical of astrophysical applications is designed and implemented. The code allows the user to solve a hyperbolic system of partial differential equations with a variety of modern high resolution numerical schemes on 1, 2 or 3D non-uniform Cartesian grids with slab or axial symmetry. The equations may contain fluxes and source terms. The boundary conditions can be chosen from a number of implemented types, — fixed, periodic, reflective or ‘free’ — but the code is structured in a manner that allows the user to write his/her own subroutines for a new type of boundary condition, or even to implement a new set of equations. The choice of algorithms allows the user to find the optimal one for the application at hand and/or to compare results of different schemes thus gaining insight into the numerical effects. An emphasis is put on independence of computer platforms. Efficiency of the code is also a high priority, the options available for the user should not compromise the performance.