Perturbation analysis of fluctuations in the universe on large scales, including decaying solutions and rotational velocities

Abstract

On small scales, the universe is inhomogeneous. However, on scales many times greater than the average distances between galaxies, the distribution of galaxies, galaxy clusters, and dark matter begins to look more uniform throughout the universe. This study aims to analyze the large-scale structure of matter in the universe by looking at the time evolution and spatial development of the linear perturbations to the average density and average velocity of matter in the universe. These linear perturbations convey information about structure formation and distribution in the cosmos. In particular, this research investigates how retaining decaying terms and rotational velocities in the calculations ( which are often ignored to facilitate the mathematics) affects the higher order terms in the density and velocity perturbations for a matter-dominated universe. On such large scales, the matter in the universe is assumed to behave like a pressure-less fluid permeating the cosmos. The gravitational instability model and the Newtonian fluid flow equations are used as bases for analyzing the density and velocity perturbations. So far, results show that retaining decaying terms and rotational velocities when solving for the density and velocity perturbations produces possibly significant terms that are otherwise overlooked. In the next step of this project, the statistics describing the spatial distribution of the density and velocity perturbations, in particular the two-point correlation functions, will be calculated and investigated.

Notes

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Thesis Completion

2009

Semester

Spring

Advisor

Fernandez, Yan

Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

College

College of Sciences

Degree Program

Physics

Subjects

Dissertations, Academic -- Sciences;Sciences -- Dissertations, Academic

Format

Print

Identifier

DP0022364

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Document Type

Honors in the Major Thesis

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