Abstract:

Numerical calculations of cosmic structure formation have become a powerful tool in astrophysics. Starting right after the Big Bang, they are not only able to accurately predict the dark matter backbone of the cosmic web far into the non-linear regime, but are also capable of following baryonic physics with rapidly improving fidelity. In my talk, I will review the methodology and selected results of recent structure formation simulations that follow large parts of the observable universe. I will discuss some of the primary challenges in modelling strong, scale-dependent feedback processes that regulate star formation in galaxies, and highlight the important role played by supermassive black holes in galaxy formation. I will also present simulation results for cosmic reionization and magnetic field amplification during non-linear structure formation, and touch upon how simulations can help to constrain the cosmological model.