Is universe a 3 dimensional fractal .?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the concept of whether the universe can be modeled as a three-dimensional fractal, particularly in relation to its expansion and the distribution of galaxies. Participants examine theoretical implications and existing research related to fractals in cosmology.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes the idea of the universe as a three-dimensional fractal, suggesting that the iterations in a fractal could represent the expansion of the universe.
  • Another participant mentions that during inflation, density fluctuations create structures resembling fractals, but notes that various factors at larger scales disrupt this fractal nature.
  • A different participant discusses research into the fractal dimension of galaxy distribution, indicating that the scaling of galaxies within a given radius suggests a fractal-like distribution at small scales.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various viewpoints on the applicability of fractal models to the universe, with some supporting the idea based on existing research while others highlight limitations and challenges. No consensus is reached on the overall validity of the fractal model for the universe.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on specific definitions of fractals and the unresolved nature of how large-scale structures may affect fractal characteristics.

dexterdev
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Is universe a 3 dimensional fractal...?

Hi all,

Yesterday I was reading on fractals (2 dimensional). It was interesting to know leaves etc are examples of fractals ( for example : fern). So I thought if there is a possibility for 3 dimensional fractal. And as in any case which is distorted by noise (so that the fractal is not perfect, not 100% symmetric). Can we apply this model for ever growing , ever expanding universe? Can the iterations in fractal be thought of expansion of universe.

When I googled 'Is universe a 3D FRACTAL' I got a link http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn14200-galaxy-map-hints-at-fractal-universe.html suggesting similar idea. I would like to hear your opinions.

-Devanand T
 
Space news on Phys.org


dexterdev said:
Can we apply this model for ever growing , ever expanding universe? Can the iterations in fractal be thought of expansion of universe.

Already been done. During inflation the density fluctuations produce something that is very much like a fractal. However at large scales, there are various things that cause the fractal to get cut out...

http://archive.ncsa.illinois.edu/Cyberia/Cosmos/PowerSpectrum.html

Here is an interactive build your own universe simulator

http://map.gsfc.nasa.gov/resources/camb_tool/index.html

The bar at the bottom marked "spectral index" is the fractal structure of the early universe. You plug in various fractions of "other stuff" and that gets the matter distribution of the universe.
 


Thanks for your links.
 


There has also been some research into the fractal dimension of the distribution of galaxies. What you do is you take a ball of radius R and count the number of galaxies inside. Then you change it's size and see how the number of galaxies scales. If the distribution is uniform and not fractal, then you would expect that the number of galaxies grows like the volume of the ball, or N ~ R3. But when you look at actual data, in small scales (of the order of 1 Mpc) the actual scaling is close to N ~ R2. This suggest a fractal-like distribution.
 


Thanks for sharing that idea
 

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