A three-dimensional Cartesian adaptive mesh code for compressible magnetohydrodynamics Original Research Article

A Cartesian adaptive mesh code for time-dependent, compressible hydrodynamics (HD) and ideal magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) in three space dimensions has been developed. The strategy of multiple subgrid nesting is used for mesh refinement and is incorporated into an operator-split, mixed finite-difference/finite-volume scheme. Special emphasis is laid on a flexible mesh adjustment realized by rectangular blocks of 4 × 4 × 4 numerical cells. These blocks can recursively be nested and spatially arranged according to local resolution requirements. HD/MHD test calculations are performed to check code functionality and to estimate the efficiency of the applied mesh refinement philosophy.