Theory - Dust in the Interstellar Medium Model

Application

In order to compare the model of interstellar extinction to data, we solve Maxwell's equations (from ScienceWorld ) to determine the absorption and scattering of light by the dust grains.

Algorithm

The solution of Maxwell's equations for spherical grains is often referred to as the Mie Solution (from ScienceWorld ). Spherical uncoated grains are assumed, and graphite particles are assumed to be randomly aligned (2/3 1/3 approximation). Values for silicate and graphite are t taken from Draine and Lee (1984), and values for amorphous carbon are taken from Rouleau and Martin (1991).

Architecture

The model is programmed as a Java Applet.