CRPropa 3 - a Public Astrophysical Simulation Framework for Propagating Extraterrestrial Ultra-High Energy Particles

TL;DR

CRPropa 3 is a versatile, high-performance simulation framework for modeling the propagation of ultra-high energy cosmic particles, incorporating new physics modules and enabling detailed astrophysical predictions.

Contribution

It introduces new physical features and computational capabilities, including galactic propagation, improved interaction calculations, and time-dependent environment modeling, enhancing previous versions.

Findings

Demonstrated the framework's ability to simulate complex propagation effects.

Showcased applications in anisotropy studies and variable source modeling.

Enhanced computational efficiency for large-scale astrophysical simulations.

Abstract

We present the simulation framework CRPropa version 3 designed for efficient development of astrophysical predictions for ultra-high energy particles. Users can assemble modules of the most relevant propagation effects in galactic and extragalactic space, include their own physics modules with new features, and receive on output primary and secondary cosmic messengers including nuclei, neutrinos and photons. In extension to the propagation physics contained in a previous CRPropa version, the new version facilitates high-performance computing and comprises new physical features such as an interface for galactic propagation using lensing techniques, an improved photonuclear interaction calculation, and propagation in time dependent environments to take into account cosmic evolution effects in anisotropy studies and variable sources. First applications using highlighted features are presented as well.