MG 7 · 1994
James Wilson
James Wilson was a computational physicist whose numerical work influenced supernova and relativistic-astrophysics simulations.
United States
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, United States
“For having built on his experience in nuclear physics, thermonuclear reactions, and extensive numerical simulation to create a new testing ground for the novel concepts of relativistic astrophysics.”
MG VII, Stanford, United States
Work
Relativistic astrophysics often requires simulations that combine gravity, nuclear reactions, hydrodynamics, and radiation.
Wilson applied large-scale numerical methods from nuclear and thermonuclear physics to compact-object and supernova problems.
His computational approach helped make simulations a major testing ground for relativistic astrophysical ideas.