Exploring the Physics of a Star's Life: Building a Sun Simulator

In summary, The conversation discusses the search for websites that provide information on the gravitational and nuclear effects at each stage of a star's life for the purpose of creating a sun simulator. Various websites are suggested, including http://www.rdale.k12.mn.us/pms/student%20curriculum/Star%20life%20Cycles/splash.html , http://charon.sjs.org/~rubysix/chemproj/final/starlife1.html , and http://www.nasa-gdrs.com/nasa-edu/13.html . However, it is noted that these websites do not mention the important role of quantum tunnelling in the initiation of fusion. It is also suggested to refer to a textbook
  • #1
Bunting
85
0
I was wondering if anyone knew of any websites which deal with the specfic gravitational and nuclear effects at each age of a stars life. I am going to "try" and create a sun simulator! as a start of OpenGL programming physical simulators, and thought this would be a good start point :)

thanks!
 
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  • #2
Would http://www.rdale.k12.mn.us/pms/student%20curriculum/Star%20life%20Cycles/splash.html [Broken] address your needs?
 
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  • #3
Also, there is an animated time-line at http://charon.sjs.org/~rubysix/chemproj/final/starlife1.html [Broken].

But as ussual, http://www.nasa-gdrs.com/nasa-edu/13.html [Broken] does a better job of explaining.

However, I've noticed that none of the sites I've given you mention the very important part that quantum tunnelling plays in the initiation of fusion. Maybe someone else here can find a link to that.
 
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  • #4
Pick up a texbook that includes quantitative information on stellar evolution. Carroll & Ostlie's "Introduction to Modern Astrophysics" has all the info you'd need to create a [accurate] sun simulator. The central key to the simulation is the requirement of constant hydrostatic equilibrium.

- Warren
 
  • #5
If you want to go hard core, take a peek at Kippenhahn and Weigert's Stellar Structure and Evolution. It provides a comprehensive overview of stellar modeling, including various numerical and computational methods of simulating stars. To keep things simple, you probably want to avoid varying things like metallicity.
 

1. What is a sun simulator?

A sun simulator is a device that replicates the physical conditions of a star, specifically our Sun. It uses various technologies to mimic the intense heat, light, and radiation emitted by the Sun. This allows scientists to study and understand the processes that occur within stars.

2. How does a sun simulator work?

A sun simulator uses powerful lamps, mirrors, and filters to create an artificial sun-like light. It also has a vacuum chamber to mimic the low pressure environment of space and various instruments to measure and control the temperature and radiation levels. By adjusting these factors, scientists can simulate different stages of a star's life.

3. What are the benefits of using a sun simulator?

Using a sun simulator allows scientists to study the behavior of stars in a controlled environment. This can provide valuable insights into the physical processes that occur within stars and help us better understand their life cycle. It also allows for the testing and development of new technologies that can be used for space missions and renewable energy.

4. How is a sun simulator used in research?

A sun simulator is used in various research projects, including studies on solar physics, astrophysics, and materials science. Scientists can use it to simulate different stages of a star's life, such as the birth, evolution, and death of a star. It can also be used to study the effects of solar radiation on materials and test the durability of spacecraft components.

5. What are the limitations of a sun simulator?

Although a sun simulator can replicate many aspects of a star's life, it has some limitations. For example, it cannot fully replicate the extreme conditions found in the core of a star, such as the intense pressure and nuclear reactions. It also cannot account for all the variables that affect a star's life, such as magnetic fields and gravitational forces. Therefore, the results obtained from a sun simulator should be interpreted with caution and further studies may be needed.

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