MODELING THE STRUCTURE OF THE UNIVERSE USING THREE-DIMENSIONAL CELLULAR AUTOMATA

Abstract

The article examines the application of three-dimensional cellular automata (3D CA) as an innovative tool for modeling the formation and evolution of the geometric structure of the Universe. The fundamental principles underlying cellular automata that can influence the geometry of modeling are analyzed. Special attention is paid to the conceptual connection between cellular automata and the "Digital Physics" paradigm, which suggests that the Universe at a fundamental level can be described as a computational system.

Specific examples of 3D CA models used for modeling cosmological processes are considered, particularly the 3D Geometric Fredkin CA/EMQG and the CA Adhesion Model. Their cell state update rules, cell types, and possible states are described in detail, as well as the ways these models attempt to simulate physical processes such as gravity and the formation of cosmic structures. An evaluation of the success in reproducing observable characteristics of the Universe using 3D CA is conducted, along with a comparative analysis with the results of standard N-body simulations based on the ΛCDM model.

The rationale for using CA to model the Universe's structure is based on their construction models, which propose the discretization of space and time, essential for quantum gravity. Additionally, their inherent parallelism is well-suited for modeling large structures, and their ability to generate complex objects based on simple rules enables explaining the formation of the Universe's structure using relatively simple initial conditions. The main idea of structure modeling using CA is the concept of emergent space-time and physical laws arising from basic computational rules. Thus, studying the Universe's structure using CA can be considered an alternative approach to understanding its forms. The paper describes an algorithm that defines the rules for cell state changes and identifies key advantages and disadvantages of traditional and presented modeling approaches. Computational and theoretical problems related to observation reconciliation and efficient algorithm development are discussed.

Key words: cellular automata, 3D CA, large-scale structure of the Universe, cosmological modeling, digital physics, N-body simulations, ΛCDM.