Applying Fractals in Astronomy

Applying Fractals in Astronomy PDF Author: Andre HECK
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 3540475826
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 217

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Book Description
'Fractal geometry addressesitselfto questions that many people have been asking themselves. It con cerns an aspect of Nature that almost everybody had been conscious of, but could not address in a formal fashion. ' 'Fractal geometry seems to be the proper language to describe the complezity of many very compli cated shapes around us. ' (Mandelbrot, 1990a) 'I believe that fractals respond to a profound un easiness in man. ' (Mandelbrot, 1990b) The catchword fractal, ever since it was coined by Mandelbrot (1975) to refer to a class of abstract mathematical objects that were already known at the turn ofthe 19th century, has found an unprecedented resonance both inside and outside the scientific community. Fractal concepts, far more than the concepts of catastrophe theory introduced a few years earlier, are currently being applied not only in the physical sciences, but also in biology and medicine (Goldberger and West 1987). In the mid-eighties, Kadanoff (1986) asked the question: 'Why all the fuss about /ractals'! '. He offered a twofold answer: in the first place, it is 'because of the practical, technological importance of fractal objects'. Indeed he emphasised the relevance of these structures for materials scientists and oil drilling engineers, in search of structures with novel properties, or models for the flow of oil through the soil. His second answer was: 'Because of the intellectual interest of fractals '.

Applying Fractals in Astronomy

Applying Fractals in Astronomy PDF Author: Andre HECK
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 3540475826
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 217

Get Book Here

Book Description
'Fractal geometry addressesitselfto questions that many people have been asking themselves. It con cerns an aspect of Nature that almost everybody had been conscious of, but could not address in a formal fashion. ' 'Fractal geometry seems to be the proper language to describe the complezity of many very compli cated shapes around us. ' (Mandelbrot, 1990a) 'I believe that fractals respond to a profound un easiness in man. ' (Mandelbrot, 1990b) The catchword fractal, ever since it was coined by Mandelbrot (1975) to refer to a class of abstract mathematical objects that were already known at the turn ofthe 19th century, has found an unprecedented resonance both inside and outside the scientific community. Fractal concepts, far more than the concepts of catastrophe theory introduced a few years earlier, are currently being applied not only in the physical sciences, but also in biology and medicine (Goldberger and West 1987). In the mid-eighties, Kadanoff (1986) asked the question: 'Why all the fuss about /ractals'! '. He offered a twofold answer: in the first place, it is 'because of the practical, technological importance of fractal objects'. Indeed he emphasised the relevance of these structures for materials scientists and oil drilling engineers, in search of structures with novel properties, or models for the flow of oil through the soil. His second answer was: 'Because of the intellectual interest of fractals '.

Discovery of Cosmic Fractals

Discovery of Cosmic Fractals PDF Author: Yurij Baryshev
Publisher: World Scientific
ISBN: 9789810248727
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 412

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Book Description
In a simple manner, explains the frontiers of astronomy, how fractals appear in cosmic physics, offers a personal view of the history of the idea of self-similarity and of cosmological principles and presents the debate which illustrates how new concepts and deeper observations reveal unexpected aspects of Nature.

Fractals: A Very Short Introduction

Fractals: A Very Short Introduction PDF Author: Kenneth Falconer
Publisher: OUP Oxford
ISBN: 0191663441
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 153

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Book Description
Many are familiar with the beauty and ubiquity of fractal forms within nature. Unlike the study of smooth forms such as spheres, fractal geometry describes more familiar shapes and patterns, such as the complex contours of coastlines, the outlines of clouds, and the branching of trees. In this Very Short Introduction, Kenneth Falconer looks at the roots of the 'fractal revolution' that occurred in mathematics in the 20th century, presents the 'new geometry' of fractals, explains the basic concepts, and explores the wide range of applications in science, and in aspects of economics. This is essential introductory reading for students of mathematics and science, and those interested in popular science and mathematics. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Fractals, Scaling and Growth Far from Equilibrium

Fractals, Scaling and Growth Far from Equilibrium PDF Author: Paul Meakin
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 9780521452533
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 700

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Book Description
A comprehensive, 1998 account of the practical aspects and pitfalls of the applications of fractal modelling in the physical sciences.

Fractal Space-time and Microphysics

Fractal Space-time and Microphysics PDF Author: Laurent Nottale
Publisher: World Scientific
ISBN: 9789810208783
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 358

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Book Description
This is the first detailed account of a new approach to microphysics based on two leading ideas: (i) the explicit dependence of physical laws on scale encountered in quantum physics, is the manifestation of a fundamental principle of nature, scale relativity. This generalizes Einstein's principle of (motion) relativity to scale transformations; (ii) the mathematical achievement of this principle needs the introduction of a nondifferentiable space-time varying with resolution, i.e. characterized by its fractal properties.The author discusses in detail reactualization of the principle of relativity and its application to scale transformations, physical laws which are explicitly scale dependent, and fractals as a new geometric description of space-time.

Time

Time PDF Author: Clifford A. Pickover
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0199929920
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 308

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Book Description
"Bucky Fuller thought big," Wired magazine recently noted, "Arthur C. Clarke thinks big, but Cliff Pickover outdoes them both." In his newest book, Cliff Pickover outdoes even himself, probing a mystery that has baffled mystics, philosophers, and scientists throughout history--What is the nature of time? In Time: A Traveler's Guide, Pickover takes readers to the forefront of science as he illuminates the most mysterious phenomenon in the universe--time itself. Is time travel possible? Is time real? Does it flow in one direction only? Does it have a beginning and an end? What is eternity? Pickover's book offers a stimulating blend of Chopin, philosophy, Einstein, and modern physics, spiced with diverting side-trips to such topics as the history of clocks, the nature of free will, and the reason gold glitters. Numerous diagrams ensure readers will have no trouble following along. By the time we finish this book, we understand a wide variety of scientific concepts pertaining to time. And most important, we will understand that time travel is, indeed, possible.

Application of Fractals in Earth Sciences

Application of Fractals in Earth Sciences PDF Author: V.P. Dimri
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 9789054102847
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 254

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Book Description
This text examines the emerging field of fractals and its applications in earth sciences. Topics covered include: concepts of fractal and multifractal chaos; the application of fractals in geophysics, geology, climate studies, and earthquake seismology.

The Routledge Companion to the New Cosmology

The Routledge Companion to the New Cosmology PDF Author: Peter Coles
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1134545541
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 458

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Book Description
Just what is Einstein's Theory of Relativity? The Big Bang Theory? Curvature of Spacetime? What do astronomers mean when they talk of a 'flat universe'? This approachable and authoritative guide to the cosmos answers these questions, and more. Taking advantage of the distinctive Companion format, readers can use the extensive, cross-referenced background chapters as a fascinating and accessible introduction to the current state of cosmological knowledge - or, they can use the convenient A-Z body of entries as a quick reference to a wide range of terms and concepts. Entries include topics such as: Black Hole; Doppler Effect; Fermi, Enrico; Heat Death of the Universe; Life in the Universe; Olber's Paradox; Quantum Field Theory; Supernova; and much more.

From Newton to Chaos

From Newton to Chaos PDF Author: Archie E. Roy
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1489910859
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 573

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Book Description
The reader will find in this volume the Proceedings of the NATO Advanced Study Institute held in Cortina d' Ampezzo, Italy, between July 25 and August 6, 1993, under the title From Newton to Chaos: Modem Techniques for Understanding and Coping With Chaos inN-Body Dynamical Systems. This institute was the latest in a series of meetings held every three years from 1972 to 1990 in dynamical astronomy, theoretical mechanics and celestial mechanics. The proceedings from these institutes have been well-received in the international community of research workers in these disciplines. The present institute was well attended with 15 series of lectures being given by invited speakers: in addition some 40 presentations were made by the other participants. The majority of these contributions are included in these proceedings. The all-pervading influence of chaos in dynamical systems (of even a few variables) has now been universally recognised by researchers, a recognition forced on us by our ability, using powerful computer hardware and software, to tackle dynamical problems that until twenty-five years ago were intractable. Doubtless it was felt by many that these new techniques provided a break-through in celestial mechanics and its related disciplines. And so they were.

Nonlinear Phenomena in Stellar Variability

Nonlinear Phenomena in Stellar Variability PDF Author: Mine Takeuti
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 940111062X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 344

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Book Description
The nonlinear theory of oscillating systems brings new aspects into the study of variable stars. Beyond the comparison of linear periods and the estimate of stability, the appearance and disappearance of possible modes can be studied in detail. While nonlinearity in stellar pulsations is not a very complicated concept, it generally requires extensive and sometimes so phisticated numerical studies. Therefore, the development of appropriate computational tools is required for applications of nonlinear theory to real phenomena in variable stars. Taking trends in variable star studies into consideration, the International Astronomical Union organized a colloquium for the nonlinear phenomena of variable stars at Mito, Japan in 1992. The colloquium served to give an overview of the new frontiers of variable star studies and to encourage further development of this field. The colloquium covered the fundamental theory, interesting observational facts, and the numerical modeling. The publication of the proceedings was somewhat delayed since one of the editors, M. T., was overwhelmed by administrative work. We are sorry that the excellent reviews of Drs. H. :Mori, M. Sano, and K. Makishima cannot be found in the proceedings. We also miss the summary given by Dr. W. W. Dziembowski. Throughout the editing procedure Dr. Y. Tanaka of Ibaraki University kindly helped us. Because of the unfortunate delay of the publication~ the significance of several papers may be affected. Even so, we believe that the papers are useful to variable star researchers because of their scientific importance.