Can the wave function show turbulence?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the potential for wave functions, particularly in large systems like the universe, to exhibit turbulent behavior. Participants highlight that while wave functions for simple systems, such as hydrogen atoms, demonstrate linear wave characteristics, larger systems may reveal complex spatial-dynamic structures. The conversation emphasizes that macroscopic fluid systems can display turbulence due to nonlinear effective equations of motion, despite their atomic components being governed by linear equations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Quantum Mechanics, specifically wave functions
  • Fluid Dynamics and turbulence theory
  • Nonlinear dynamics and equations of motion
  • Macroscopic vs. microscopic system behavior
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  • Explore the principles of Quantum Mechanics and wave function behavior
  • Study Fluid Dynamics with a focus on turbulence and nonlinear equations
  • Investigate the implications of macroscopic systems in physics
  • Research the relationship between linear and nonlinear dynamics in physical systems
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Physicists, researchers in quantum mechanics and fluid dynamics, and anyone interested in the intersection of wave functions and turbulence in large systems.

sgphysics
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I remember from my physics classes that the wave functions for the hydrogen atoms or an electron in a box showed typical linear wave behaviour. However, when you have a large system's wave function, say for example the universe, will it then show different spatial-dynamic structure? What comes to my mind here is some kind of turbulent behaviour or structure.
 
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If you have a large enough fluid system to be considered macroscopic, its large scale behavior can obey nonlinear effective equations of motion (making turbulence possible), despite the behavior of the atomic constituents being described with linear equations.
 

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