A Rubber Band Model Of the Universe

Michael Fischer
Stanford University
mfischer #a#t# stanford #.#e#d#u#

In this project, I use rubber bands to construct a desktop model that illustrates the principles of Einstein's theory of special relativity.
This rubber band desktop model is a fully self-contained model of a universe in which one can actually do experiments in special relativity.
One of the fundamental principles of modern science is that the speed of light is constant in every inertial frame of reference. In this rubber band model, I am able to demonstrate why this principle is true.
In this rubber band scale-model universe, all laws of physics are controlled by the Sine-Gordon equation, a single nonlinear partial differential equation that admits stable solutions that are known as solitons. By using these special solutions, I am able to construct measuring rods made out of kink solitons and clocks made out of breather solitons. If these solitons are then given a velocity, the kink measuring rods undergo length contractions and the breather clocks undergo time dilations.
As measured by rubber band people living in this universe who use these measuring tools, the speed of light in this universe is constant in every inertial system.
What is important about this rubber band desktop model universe is that I can do other experiments involving special relativity and that I can then extrapolate these results to our own real physical universe. In particular, this rubber band model universe shows why the speed of light in our own real universe is constant in every inertial system.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• rubber
• band
• desktop
• relativity
• solitons
• sine-gordon
• equation
• model
• of
• universe

[jerryatcaltech]

Very clever model of special relativity. I like the use of kinks and breathers to model relativity. You can actually see the Lorentz contractions. Neat!! It really is a model of the universe on the desktop.

[ricksantor]

that's a HUGE rubber band ball

[wlodzio47]

So much trouble to proof Einstein lunatic theory.

I'm curious when people start to think independently instead repeating blindly other mens mistakes.

LIGHT DOESN'T TRAVEL . This is the only fixed part of our universe

[sumgai777]

Brilliant model -- it's too bad that the explanation & presentation weren't correspondingly well thought through, and executed.

[630MillionGods]

Can some one please explain this ?

[Sciauchrea]

This is brilliant, it really puts the theory into perspective for a lay person. c:

[4sineweaver2]

I would kill for hair like that. And wow, what a cool model.

[BuRtOink]

he has the einstein hair too!

[elliotofhull]

WTF is that weirdo going on about

[LazyGuy56]

*cough* SUPERNERD *cough*....cool

[eKettle]

Hahah! Look at the glorious rubber band ball! Wonderful!