Abstract

We present examples of validating components of an astrophysical simulationCode code. Problems of stellar astrophysicsAstrophysics are multidimensional and involve physics acting on large ranges of length and time scales that are impossible to include in macroscopic models on present computational resources. Simulating these events thus necessitates the development of sub-grid-scaleGrid models and the capability to postprocess simulations with higher fidelity methods. We present an overview of the problem of validating astrophysical models and simulations illustrated with two examples. First, we present a study aimed at validating hydrodynamics with high energy density laboratory experimentsExperiment probing shocks and fluid instabilities. Second, we present an effort at validating codeCode modules for use in both macroscopic simulations of astrophysical events and for postprocessing Lagrangian tracer particles to calculate detailed abundances from thermonuclear reactions occurring during an event.