Other Deciding on my senior thesis project

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The discussion revolves around selecting a senior thesis project in the field of General Relativity (GR). The initial idea proposed is to numerically solve the Einstein Field Equations (EFE) for the solar system, specifically focusing on the inner planets and the sun, and then compare the results with observational data. The participant expresses uncertainty about the viability of this project and seeks suggestions for feasible and engaging published papers in GR that could be reproduced as part of the thesis. A response advises consulting with a supervisor for guidance, emphasizing the importance of aligning the project with the supervisor's interests and expertise. However, concerns are raised about the practicality of the proposed project, suggesting that while it may be formally possible, the likelihood of achieving meaningful results is low.
BiGyElLoWhAt
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Hey all,
I'm trying to come up with a senior thesis project in the realm of GR. It doesn't have to be new, just new to me. I'm having trouble coming up with ideas (or knowing whether or not they would be good for this). One idea that I just came up with:
Numerically solve EFE for the solar system, or a part of it, maybe the inner planets and sun, then compare with observations. Does this sound like a good project to you? If not, do you have any suggestions? I'm not attached to this idea, just trying to be constructive.
Thanks.
 
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Did you ask your potential supervisor? It is very advisable to choose a project in the interest of the supervisor, and they will also know more what has been done and what not, and what can be done within the scope of the project. That typically means you ask your supervisor what they suggest.
 
Yea I did. We don't really have anyone in the ways of GR, so it will be largely independent. However, the chair has told me that I could do it, should I find a suitable project. He told me essentially to find a paper published and reproduce it. So I suppose the question could be reworded to ask for papers published in GR that would be 1) feasible for an undergrad to reproduce (not necessarily easy, just feasible) and 2) enjoyable (I know it's subjective, but just not extremely droll).
Thanks for the response, by the way.
 
BiGyElLoWhAt said:
We don't really have anyone in the ways of GR, so it will be largely independent.
Don't do that.
While it might be possible in terms of formal procedures, it is unlikely to have good results.
 
Hey, I am Andreas from Germany. I am currently 35 years old and I want to relearn math and physics. This is not one of these regular questions when it comes to this matter. So... I am very realistic about it. I know that there are severe contraints when it comes to selfstudy compared to a regular school and/or university (structure, peers, teachers, learning groups, tests, access to papers and so on) . I will never get a job in this field and I will never be taken serious by "real"...
Yesterday, 9/5/2025, when I was surfing, I found an article The Schwarzschild solution contains three problems, which can be easily solved - Journal of King Saud University - Science ABUNDANCE ESTIMATION IN AN ARID ENVIRONMENT https://jksus.org/the-schwarzschild-solution-contains-three-problems-which-can-be-easily-solved/ that has the derivation of a line element as a corrected version of the Schwarzschild solution to Einstein’s field equation. This article's date received is 2022-11-15...

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