CAFE-AMR: a computational MHD solar physics simulation tool that uses AMR

Abstract

The study of our Sun holds significant importance in space weather research, encompassing a diverse range of phenomena characterized by distinct temporal and spatial scales. To address these complexities, we developed CAFE-AMR, an implementation of an adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) strategy coupled with a magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) equation solver, aiming to tackle solar-physics-related problems. CAFE-AMR employs standard fluid dynamics methods, including finite-volume discretization, HLL and Roe class flux formulas, linear order reconstructors, second-order Runge-Kutta, and corner transport upwind time stepping. In this paper, we present the core structure of CAFE-AMR, discuss and evaluate mesh refinement criteria strategies, and conduct various tests, including simulations of idealized solar wind models, relevant for space weather applications.