Collaborative Research: Elements: Portable Resistive GRMHD Cyberinfrastructure for Multi-Messenger Astrophysics

NSF Award Search · 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $299,988 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

Mergers of neutron stars and pairs of supermassive black holes are among the most energetic events in the universe. They can produce gravitational waves, bright flashes of light, and fast jets; neutron-star mergers can also create heavy elements found in planets and living things. Scientists use large computer simulations to understand the hot, magnetized gas around these objects, but many current simulations treat that gas as a perfect electrical conductor. This simplification makes magnetic-field reconnection, a key source of heat, light, and outflows, occur as an uncontrolled byproduct of numerical error rather than through a physically modeled process. This project develops open-source software that lets researchers model magnetic energy release with physically meaningful inputs and reproducible tests. The project advances the national interest by improving computational tools for scientific discovery, strengthening high-performance computing, and training students in computational science. It also broadens participation in science through activities that include research experiences for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students, outreach to rural K-12 students in Idaho, and public visualizations of cosmic collisions through accessible performances and outreach events. This project develops portable cyberinfrastructure for resistive general-relativistic magnetohydrodynamics (GRMHD), the computational framework used to simulate magnetized, electrically resistive fluids in stron

Key facts

NSF award ID
2608811
Awardee
Regents of the University of Idaho (ID)
SAM.gov UEI
QWYKRJH5NNJ3
PI
Zachariah B Etienne
Primary program
01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
Artificial Intelligence (AI), SMALL PROJECT, EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES
Estimated total
$299,988
Funds obligated
$299,988
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
08/15/2026 → 07/31/2029