IYPT question on gravity wells and usage of elastic space.

vishnu manoj

I am participating in the IYPT and i have encountered a question on elastic space which relates to gravity wells. I need to get a proper hypothesis that can be investigated within realistic parameters. I unable to get any new ideas because i am relatively new to the subject and dont have much to go on. Here's the question-

The dynamics and apparent interactions of massive balls rolling on a stretched
horizontal membrane are often used to illustrate gravitation. Investigate the system
further. Is it possible to define and measure the apparent “gravitational constant” in
such a “world”?

i wanted to know if i could link my hypothesis with the theories of relativity which could be investigated with equipment from a school lab of course and whether you could suggest some other ideas i should investigate my hypothesis on. It does not necessarily have to be related to gravity wells but related in some way to gravity and their interactions with objects with mass, gravity wells is just something i came up with
Thanks

bcrowell

What is IYPT? Is it a contest? If so, what are the rules about getting outside help?

Jimmy

International Young Physicists' Tournament:

The IYPT, sometimes also referred to as “Physics World Cup” is a team-oriented scientific competition among teams of secondary school students. The participants present their solutions to scientific problems they have prepared over several months and then discuss their solutions with other teams.

What kind of resources may be used by the students during the IYPT?

Generally speaking, all kinds of resources are allowed. It is customary for the teams to use things like pocket calculators, dictionaries, laptops, literature, notes, etc. Everything is allowed. The only thing which is explicitly forbidden is the communication between the students and non-participants during the fights.

http://iypt.org/Tournaments/FAQ

Edit: It appears it doesn't start until July so I assume getting help now would be allowed.

vishnu manoj

yeah it is fine just need a brain storm and the link to all the rules are here http://ilyam.org/FDD_2013_IYPT_Reference_kit.pdf. i just need ideas for a hypothesis thats all because i am a beginner in the field and need help in formulating ideas. it can be even be related to differential equations and i can grasp physics concepts of any caliber easily because i am versed with complex mathematical concepts and topics. Just need ideas because i am new to this, thats all . Greatly appreciate your help if you can lend me your ideas.

vishnu manoj

oh yeah and the contest allows for outside help to be allowed as they are willing for participants to get ideas from any and all sources possible