Parallel n-body gravitational interaction in CTH for planetary defense and large impact simulations

摘要

We describe the implementation of a parallel N-Body self gravity capability into the CTH shock physics hydrocode. The capability has very good performance and scaling characteristics with excellent agreement on verification and validation tests, especially when used in conjunction with adaptive mesh refinement. We present a highly resolved simulation of the giant impact theory of lunar formation, demonstrating how this new capability in conjunction with adaptive mesh refinement enables long duration hydrocode simulations of large impacts to help us understand many planetary science questions.