What Can Computational Physics do besides Numerical Integration?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores various computational physics problems beyond numerical integration, including applications in engineering, sports, and complex systems. Participants share ideas and examples of modeling challenges and techniques relevant to different fields.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the existence of interesting computational physics problems, questioning the relevance of traditional examples like baseball trajectories.
  • Others propose modeling active feedback systems to mitigate skyscraper vibrations during high winds and earthquakes.
  • Modeling bridge structures under similar conditions is suggested as another application.
  • Participants mention the potential for modeling aerodynamic drag reductions in professional cycling through design innovations.
  • Turn stability in MotoGP racing bikes is also raised as a topic of interest for computational modeling.
  • Some participants suggest exploring complex systems, such as the 3D Ising model, percolation problems, vortex simulations, and molecular dynamics simulations.
  • A reference to the Game of Life is made, highlighting its connection to studies on complexity and chaos theory.
  • One participant emphasizes the necessity of computational techniques for solving nonlinear differential equations and studying multi-particle systems realistically.
  • Another participant discusses advancements in numerical simulation for nuclear reactors, mentioning a collaborative program involving multiple institutions and the integration of various computational codes.
  • Comet trajectories deviating from standard ellipses are briefly mentioned, with a reference to Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 as an example.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that there are many interesting computational physics problems, but specific interests and examples vary widely. Multiple competing views and approaches remain, with no consensus on a singular focus or methodology.

Contextual Notes

Some discussions involve unresolved assumptions about the applicability of certain models and the complexity of the systems being studied. The limitations of traditional examples in engaging interest are also noted.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in computational physics, engineering applications, modeling complex systems, and those exploring innovative approaches in sports science may find this discussion relevant.

dimensionless
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Are there many interesting computational physics problems out there? Are there any comet trajectories that will deviate from a standard ellipse? For some reason plotting the path of a baseball just doesn't spark my interest.
 
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Some ideas:

-- Modelling active feedback systems for snubbing skyscraper resonant vibrational modes in high winds and during earthquakes (or both at once!)

-- Modelling bridge structures during the two same things.

-- Modelling professional bicyclist wind drag reductions through bike design and apparrel design.

-- Modelling turn stability in a MotoGP race bike.

What topics in physics or sports or other competitions interest you?
 
dimensionless said:
For some reason plotting the path of a baseball just doesn't spark my interest.
Does looking for solutions to the 3D Ising model? Or how about a percolation problem, or a vortex simulation, or a band-structure calculation, or a molecular dynamics simulation, or a heat flow calculation, or a diffusion problem, or ... ?

Did you think of maybe trying Google? Here's a few links to Computational Physics courses and books:

http://www.cmth.ph.ic.ac.uk/angus/Lectures/compphys/
http://www.physics.unlv.edu/~pang/cp_info.html
http://www.physics.orst.edu/~rubin/CPbook/partII.html
 
Last edited by a moderator:
The infamous game of life...here is a link to a Java version.

http://www.bitstorm.org/gameoflife/

This 'game' actually orginated from studies on complex behaviour - a close relative to the field of chaos. Complexity is the study of the emergence of complex behaviour from simple rules and from what little I have studied of it, it is pretty fascinating stuff.

Claude.
 
dimensionless said:
Are there many interesting computational physics problems out there? Are there any comet trajectories that will deviate from a standard ellipse? For some reason plotting the path of a baseball just doesn't spark my interest.
Well, one needs such techniques to solve any non linear differential equation or any such equation for multi particle systems. So, to study ANY physical system in a realistic manner (this means : incorporating enough variables) one requires such methods

So take your pick...

marlon
 
dimensionless said:
Are there many interesting computational physics problems out there?
Yes. Numerical simulation is becoming more elaborate. There is a joint program between Argonne National Lab, Purdue University and several other organizations to develop the next generation of simulators for nuclear reactors with much greater resolution. It will use a 45 group neutron transport code coupled with a CFD (computational fluid dynamics) code. It could be taken a step further with the integration of a FEM thermo-mechanical code.

Multiphysics codes are now quite common, e.g. COMSOL and FEMLAB.

dimensionless said:
Are there any comet trajectories that will deviate from a standard ellipse?
Like Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9, which got caught by Jupiter?

http://www.windows.ucar.edu/tour/link=/comets/images/sl9_trajectory_jpg_image.html&edu=elem

http://www2.jpl.nasa.gov/sl9/
 

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