Steady-state spherical accretion using smoothed particle hydrodynamics

Due to its adaptable nature in a broad range of problem domains, Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) is a popular numerical technique for computing solutions in astrophysics. This dissertation discusses the SPH technique and assesses its capabilities for reproducing steady-state spherically-symmetric accretion flow. The accretion scenario is of great interest for its applicability in a diverse array of astrophysical phenomena and, under certain assumptions, it also provides an accepted analytical solution against which the numerical method can be validated. After deriving the necessary equations from astrophysical fluid dynamics, giving a detailed review of solving the steady-state spherical accretion problem, and developing the SPH methodology, this work suggests solutions to the issues that must be overcome in order to successfully employ the SPH methodology to reproduce steady-state spherical accretion flow. Several techniques for setting initial data are addressed, resolution requirements are illustrated, inner and outer boundary conditions are discussed, and artificial dissipation parameters and methodologies are explored.