What is the Theoretical Energy Density of Inflation?

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SUMMARY

The theoretical energy density of inflation is estimated to be around 1095 ergs per cubic centimeter, with some variations noted in different sources. Ned Wright's calculations suggest a mass density of approximately 1071 grams per cubic centimeter, which indicates a significant difference in interpretations. The discussion highlights the implications of energy release exceeding the Planck power (3.63 x 1052 W), leading to inflationary space phenomena. The protagonist's ability to release 9.77E163 ergs/s could theoretically affect a volume of space as large as 105,000 light years.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of theoretical physics concepts, particularly inflationary cosmology.
  • Familiarity with energy density measurements in ergs and grams per cubic centimeter.
  • Knowledge of the Planck power and its significance in physics.
  • Basic grasp of Einstein's mass-energy equivalence (E=mc2).
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  • Research the implications of inflationary cosmology on the universe's expansion.
  • Explore the relationship between energy density and mass density in cosmological contexts.
  • Investigate the concept of the Planck power and its role in theoretical physics.
  • Examine the effects of high-energy phenomena on spacetime and dimensionality.
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Writers of science fiction, theoretical physicists, and anyone interested in the implications of high-energy physics and cosmology in storytelling.

chasrob
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I need the theoretical energy density of inflation for my story. I seem to recall it as an enormous 1095 ergs per cubic centimeter.
 
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Here's one estimate-
energy density-inflation.jpg

https://universe-review.ca/R02-13-inflation.htm

Seems to be around 1095 ergs/cc
 
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Anyone have a link to another estimate? A paper perhaps? I seem to remember a mass density of 1076 grams/cc that I read somewhere.
Thanks.
 
Hornbein said:
A septillion.
You're right. Maybe it's a typo for mass density equivalent, using e=mc2?
 
If anyone cares, the reason I ask has to do with the “physics” of my story. If someone/some entity releases more power than the Planck power, 3.63 x 1052 W, the result is that a volume of space centered on the “release” is rendered into inflationary space and it undergoes a Big Rip and pinches off into another, disjoint, dimension. Destroying all matter within the volume in the process.

My protagonist, a super-powered being, threatens some enormously powerful aliens who consequently construct an artificial humanoid who can release 9.77E163 ergs/s with one punch. And according to my shaky calcs that many ergs would render a cube of space 105,000 light years on a side into inflationary space. Milky Way, galaxy-size volume.

Another odd thing… if the humanoid, Debra, holds back and only hits with 1E95 ergs/s of power, only 1 cubic centimeter would be affected. Little or no collateral damage from that enormous energy release!
 
chasrob said:
Uh, oh. Ned Wright, https://www.astro.ucla.edu/~wright/cosmo_constant.html says 1071 g/cc. Quite a difference. Ten trillion or so? The figure above has somewhere 1094 to 1097?
Oops, my bad. I misinterpreted Wright. I failed to notice that he represented energy density as g/cc, not ergs/cc. Using e=mc2, I get 1091-92 ergs/cc. Closer to the value in the figure above.
 

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