[Mesa-users] Question about controls in intermediate-mass stars evolution

[Josiah Schwab]

Hi Francisco,

If  one of the runs gives different results, for example when smaller steps
> on timestep and grid are adopted,
> what are the steps to follow?
>

The higher resolution run is usually the more reliable one.  Ideally, you
keep increasing the resolution until the results you care about no longer
change significantly.

Sometimes it is not practical to keep cranking up the global time/space
resolution, so then you have to compare the models and understand where the
higher time/space resolution is important for the evolution and use more
specific controls to increase the resolution in the key phases or locations.


> For the next simulations, It is safer start with a work/ directory than a
> test_suite?
>

Whether you start from a test suite or from a fresh work directory, the
steps of checking that (a) you're happy with the physical/inputs
assumptions for the model and (b) that the desired results are insensitive
to numerical choices (resolution, etc.) are the same.

The test suites are useful shortcuts because they often illustrate
important options for particular scenarios, but they don't remove the need
for the above process of building confidence in your results.

Josiah
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