2D Numerical Simulation of Stellar Convection

Abstract

The dynamics and thermal structure of the surface layers of stars with outer convection zones can be studied in some detail by means of numerical simulations of time-dependent compressible convection. In an effort to investigate the properties of ``stellar granulation'' as a function of spectral type, we have carried out elaborate 2-dimensional radiation hydrodynamics calculations of surface convection for a variety of stellar parameters. The main features of these simulations are reviewed, with particular reference to standard mixing length models.