Liang, Edison P.2012-09-062012-09-062012-09-062012-09-062012-052012-09-05May 2012Hilburn, Guy. "Studies of Low Luminosity Active Galactic Nuclei with Monte Carlo and Magnetohydrodynamic Simulations." (2012) Diss., Rice University. <a href="https://hdl.handle.net/1911/64694">https://hdl.handle.net/1911/64694</a>.https://hdl.handle.net/1911/64694Results from several studies are presented which detail explorations of the physical and spectral properties of low luminosity active galactic nuclei. An initial Sagittarius A* general relativistic magnetohydrodynamic simulation and Monte Carlo radiation transport model suggests accretion rate changes as the dominant flaring method. A similar study on M87 introduces new methods to the Monte Carlo model for increased consistency in highly energetic sources. Again, accretion rate variation seems most appropriate to explain spectral transients. To more closely resolve the methods of particle energization in active galactic nuclei accretion disks, a series of localized shearing box simulations explores the effect of numerical resolution on the development of current sheets. A particular focus on numerically describing converged current sheet formation will provide new methods for consideration of turbulence in accretion disks.application/pdfengCopyright is held by the author, unless otherwise indicated. Permission to reuse, publish, or reproduce the work beyond the bounds of fair use or other exemptions to copyright law must be obtained from the copyright holder.Active galactic nucleiAccretion diskMonte CarloMagnetohydrodynamicsSagittarius A*M87Thesis2012-09-06123456789/ETD-2012-05-168