Multi-Scale Simulations of the Universe: Comparisons of IllustrisTNG, Thesan, and EPOCH

Qian Wu

2025

Abstract

Contemporarily, various multi-scale simulations of the universe are proposed. This study compares three advanced astrophysical simulation frameworks, i.e., IllustrisTNG, Thesan, and EPOCH, each designed to model different cosmic phenomena across varying physical scales. IllustrisTNG simulates galaxy formation and large-scale structure evolution using moving-mesh hydrodynamics and gravitational equations from early cosmic times to the present. Thesan focuses on the Epoch of Reionization, incorporating radiation-hydrodynamics, dust physics, and magnetohydrodynamics to model the ionization of the intergalactic medium by early galaxies. EPOCH applies the particle-in-cell (PIC) method to simulate kinetic plasma processes under strong electromagnetic fields, solving Maxwell’s equations and the Lorentz force law to capture phenomena such as shock acceleration and magnetic reconnection. These simulations offer complementary strengths: from cosmic web formation to feedback-driven ionization and relativistic plasma dynamics. By comparing their physical models, resolution strategies, and limitations, this paper reveals the need for multi-scale, multi-physics integration to bridge gaps between microphysical plasma processes and the evolution of large-scale cosmic structure.

Paper Citation

in Harvard Style

Wu Q. (2025). Multi-Scale Simulations of the Universe: Comparisons of IllustrisTNG, Thesan, and EPOCH. In Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Innovations in Applied Mathematics, Physics, and Astronomy - Volume 1: IAMPA; ISBN 978-989-758-774-0, SciTePress, pages 272-280. DOI: 10.5220/0013824100004708

in Bibtex Style

@conference{iampa25,
author={Qian Wu},
title={Multi-Scale Simulations of the Universe: Comparisons of IllustrisTNG, Thesan, and EPOCH},
booktitle={Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Innovations in Applied Mathematics, Physics, and Astronomy - Volume 1: IAMPA},
year={2025},
pages={272-280},
publisher={SciTePress},
organization={INSTICC},
doi={10.5220/0013824100004708},
isbn={978-989-758-774-0},
}

in EndNote Style

TY - CONF

JO - Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Innovations in Applied Mathematics, Physics, and Astronomy - Volume 1: IAMPA
TI - Multi-Scale Simulations of the Universe: Comparisons of IllustrisTNG, Thesan, and EPOCH
SN - 978-989-758-774-0
AU - Wu Q.
PY - 2025
SP - 272
EP - 280
DO - 10.5220/0013824100004708
PB - SciTePress