Sterrett, S. G. (2015) Experimentation on Analogue Models. [Preprint]

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Abstract

Analogue models are actual physical setups used to model something else. They are especially useful when what we wish to investigate is difficult to observe or experiment upon due to size or distance in space or time: for example, if the thing we wish to investigate is too large, too far away, takes place on a time scale that is too long, does not yet exist or has ceased to exist. The range and variety of analogue models is too extensive to attempt a survey. In this article, I describe and discuss several different analogue model experiments, the results of those model experiments, and the basis for constructing them and interpreting their results. Examples of analogue models for surface waves in lakes, for earthquakes and volcanoes in geophysics, and for black holes in general relativity, are described, with a focus on examining the bases for claims that these analogues are appropriate analogues of what they are used to investigate. A table showing three different kinds of bases for reasoning using analogue models is provided. Finally, it is shown how the examples in this article counter three common misconceptions about the use of analogue models in physics.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Sterrett, S. G. susangsterrett@gmail.com
Additional Information:	-- The Table in the paper is in a separate file. -- Figures are not shown due to copyright limitations -- write to the author should you desire a personal copy for your own use.
Keywords:	Models, Physics, Black Holes, Geophysics, Analogue Models, Similarity, Physically Similar Systems, Dimensionless Parameters, Dimensional Analysis
Subjects:	General Issues > Models and Idealization Specific Sciences > Physics
Depositing User:	Dr Susan G. Sterrett
Date Deposited:	01 Jun 2015 13:52
Last Modified:	01 Jun 2015 13:52
Item ID:	11492
Subjects:	General Issues > Models and Idealization Specific Sciences > Physics
Date:	31 May 2015
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/11492

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