Numerical Models of Tidal Disruption Events

When a star passes too close to a supermassive black hole (SMBH) it can be torn apart by the hole's gravitational field. This is called a tidal disruption event (TDE). About half of the destroyed star accretes on to the SMBH, releasing radiation that is observable across the Universe. TDEs are ideal for unveiling black hole properties, as they have well-posed initial conditions and the entire event takes months to years. This allows us to compare theoretical models with observed multiwavelength lightcurves of the full event. This project will develop new numerical models for TDEs, taking advantage of recent numerical breakthroughs and well-established simulations methods. Including new effects such as the spin of the star will allow us to predict detailed lightcurves and provide the essential theoretical framework for interpreting imminent large multiwavelength datasets from e.g. LSST and the Zwicky Transient factory.