How Does Statistical Physics Influence Astrophysics and Cosmology?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the influence of statistical physics on astrophysics and cosmology, particularly in the context of a university project. Participants explore various applications and connections between these fields, suggesting resources and ideas for further exploration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in the application of statistical physics to astrophysics and cosmology, seeking guidance on how to integrate these interests into their project.
  • Several links to academic papers and articles are shared, suggesting resources for understanding the connections between statistical physics and various physical phenomena.
  • There is a metaphorical comparison of general relativity to crumpled paper, with one participant humorously noting the chaos often associated with tackling general relativity problems.
  • Another participant introduces the concept of crackling noise and its relevance to astrophysical systems, suggesting it as a potential topic for exploration.
  • Connections to quantum gravity and string theory are mentioned, along with links to relevant resources that may provide insight into these advanced topics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on specific applications or topics, and multiple competing views and suggestions remain throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Some suggestions rely on metaphorical interpretations or analogies, which may not directly correlate with established scientific principles. The discussion also includes various links to external resources, which may have differing levels of relevance to the main topic.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students or researchers interested in the intersections of statistical physics, astrophysics, and cosmology, particularly those looking for project ideas or resources in these areas.

matt_crouch
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I am currently a 3rd year university student and the project i have been assigned is the the above title, and basically involves looking at statistal physics and its applications. My interests are all in astrophysics and cosmology i was wondering if there was any place for my interests in this project if anyone could point me in the right direction it would be much appreciated. I understand the place of statistical physics in quantum mechanics i just need some pointing in the right direction so i can make this project more interesting for me
 
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General relativity is similar to crumpled paper, as in it is crumpled spacetime, so you could look at that, I suppose. If not, there's http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2011/08/crumpled-paper-physics/"
 
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The only thing GR has to do with crumpled paper is that when you start on a GR problem, by the time you finish you usually end up surrounded by piles of crumpled paper.
 
You could discuss crackling noise, I guess: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v410/n6825/full/410242a0.html

That paper is a review article of systems which exhibit crackling noise. It mentions crumbling paper as an example, but doesn't really talk much about paper itself. However, crackling noise occurs in lots of systems (as the paper above explains), so you might be able to find some example of it in an astrophysical system, or something related. Another name crackling noise goes by is "avalanches". A quick search turned up the book Self-organized criticality in astrophysics: The statistics of nonlinear processes in the universe. You might be able to make a connection there.
 
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I'm not aware of the connection to statistical physics, but you may find interesting the application of the Brouwer fixed point theorem to crumpled paper:
http://www.math.hmc.edu/funfacts/ffiles/20002.7.shtml
 

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