Feasibility Studies of an Investigation into the Multi-Fractal Nature of the Universe

将进行几项可行性研究，以调查宇宙的多重分形性质。这是一个重要的话题，因为我们宇宙的标准模型与任何分形或多重分形性质都是矛盾的。这些模型是基于这样一个假设：宇宙在某种大尺度上基本上可以被视为一个液体系统。所有的密度增强，比如星系、星系团和超星系团，都会消失，宇宙中的物质就会变得均匀，一个可测量的平均密度就会存在。宇宙的多重分形图像则大不相同。没有平均密度可以被定义，宇宙也不能被视为一个液体系统。这两种观点截然不同，希望能有确凿的证据来排除其中一种观点。将要进行的研究就是为了找到那个证据。这项研究将沿着三个不同的方向进行：分析现有和预期的数据；用蒙特卡罗模拟假宇宙来创建真实宇宙的模型；分形新框架下的n体分析。星系目录的分析需要相当完整的目录材料和可靠的软件来测试这些目录。要编制目标目录，包括其不足之处，并估计修改已编写的计算机程序所需的时间和精力。此外，将对阿雷西博望远镜（波多黎各附近的一个设施）所取得的数据进行初步研究，最终目标是对数据进行更大规模的分析。模拟真实宇宙的非常简单的多重分形宇宙的创造将有助于证明分形框架的可行性。将再次研究适应软件和各种多重分形生成方案。解决这个问题的最后一种方法是最有可能说明产生这些分形结构的过程所涉及的物理原理的方法。对可用的n体软件进行仔细的调查，应该会指出一些用于这种稍微不同类型分析的候选包。这项研究的预期结果，是一个可行的，具体的，明确的攻击计划来回答这个问题，“宇宙是多重分形的吗？”* * *

AST-9809531 Coleman Several feasibility studies will be conducted to investigate the Multi-fractal nature of the universe. This is an important topic since the standard models of our universe are contradictory to any fractal or multi-fractal properties. The models are based on the assumption that the universe, on some large scale, can essentially be treated as a liquid system. All the density enhancements such as galaxies, clusters, and superclusters, wash out and the matter in the universe becomes homogeneous and a measurable average density will exist. The multi-fractal picture of the universe is much different. No average density will ever be defined and the universe cannot be treated as a liquid system. These two points of view are so radically different that hopefully there is some definitive evidence which rules one of them out. The research to be carried out is aimed at finding that evidence. The research will proceed along three separate lines: Analysis of existing and anticipated data; Monte-Carlo simulations of false universes to create models of the true universe; N-body analysis in the new framework of fractals. The analysis of galaxy catalogs requires fairly complete catalog material and robust software which can used to test those catalogs. Target catalogs, including their deficiencies, are to be compiled and some estimation of the time and effort required to modify already written computer programs is to be obtained. Furthermore, a pilot study of data taken with the Arecibo telescope (a nearby facility in Puerto Rico) is to be undertaken with the eventual goal being a much larger analysis of the data. Creation of very simple multi-fractal universes which mimic the true universe will help to demonstrate the feasibility of the fractal framework. Studies will again be made on adapting software and on various multi-fractal generating schemes. The final approach to this problem is the one which has the best possibility of telling something about the physics involved in the processes which generate these fractal structures. A careful survey of the available N-body software should point out some candidate packages for this somewhat different type of analysis. The anticipated result of this research, is to be a workable, concrete, well defined plan of attack to answer the question, "Is the universe multi-fractal?" ***