Dark Matter Simulation: Help Choose a Program Language

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around selecting a programming language for a simulation project focused on the dark matter problem, specifically in relation to galaxies with varying surface densities. Participants explore different approaches and tools suitable for numerical simulations in cosmology.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions starting a project on dark matter simulations and seeks advice on suitable programming languages.
  • Another participant highlights the complexity of missing matter problems in cosmology, suggesting that numerical simulations are typically employed and noting the significant computational power required.
  • A third participant agrees that detailed simulations would necessitate powerful computing resources.
  • A later reply suggests using N-body simulations as a standard approach and recommends existing N-body programs like NEMO and GADGET, mentioning the need for a C compiler and possibly UNIX or LINUX environments for GADGET.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need for substantial computational resources for simulations and the use of N-body simulations, but there is no consensus on the best programming language or specific tools to use.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the specific programming language choice or the detailed requirements for the simulation project, leaving open questions about the best approach and tools.

physicsatiztech
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"Missing Matter"

Heyy Dear friends,
I and two of my friends 'll start to make a new project based on "dark matter problem".We are trying to make a simulation on galaxies which have diffrent surface density that is one of the parameters we have to determine. There are also other parameters.
However, we don't know exactly which program language should be chosen? If there anybody knows the suitable program name for simulations, i want to help from him.
Thanks
 
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Hi physicsatiztech, welcome to PF! Missing matter problems abound in cosmology. Not just rotation curves in galaxies, but in clusters, super clusters and the universe at large. Numerical simulations are normally applied to such problems. The computational power required is enormous - even by todays standards. Finite element analysis [an engineering thing] would, IMO, be a great approach, but would require a very bulky computer [unless you broadly categorize the variables]. It is a hairy problem - even without invoking black holes.
 
Yepp, if you want to do it in any detail you'll need a super-cpu.
 
The standard numerical approach to this is to use what are called N-body simulations. Rather than re-inventing the wheel I would looking at some of the exisiting N-body programs. Try Googling 'NEMO' (with N-body, or you'll just get fish!) or GADGET (also with N-body or you'll just get cartoons!). These are both standard N-body packages. You'll need a C compiler, preferably on UNIX or LINUX to run GADGET. I'm not sure about NEMO but it's almost certainly written in C or FORTRAN.
 

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