The Next Generation of Stellar Models: Incorporating the Results of Multidimensional Hydrodynamics

Stars are usually modeled assuming spherical symmetry. However, deep inside, most stars have convective regions that mix the products of nuclear burning in ways that must be modeled with 3-dimensional hydrodynamics. The development of massively parallel computing is now making it possible to study these problems. Using newly developed codes we will learn how various mixing and energy transport processes take place. We will use this knowledge to solve outstanding problems involving the observed compositions of stars, their enrichment of the universe with metals, the pulsation of stars and the distance scale of the universe.