ERIC Number: EJ1236376
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019-Dec
Pages: 4
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0031-921X
EISSN: N/A
Simulation of the Gravitational Lensing Effect of Galactic Dark Matter Halos Using 3D Printing Technology
Su, Jun; Wang, Weiguo; Wang, Xu; Song, Feng
Physics Teacher, v57 n9 p590-593 Dec 2019
Gravitational lensing is an interesting phenomenon in astronomy and is most typically given rise to by galaxies. The majority of the matter in a galaxy is thought to be dark matter, and the galactic gravitational lensing effect is mainly caused by dark matter halos. In gravitational lensing-related demonstrations in physics education, the feet of goblets are usually employed to simulate gravitational lensing, an approach that can seem unrealistic. This paper describes how the galactic dark matter halo model can be used to calculate an equivalent lens shape, and a stereolithography (SLA) 3D printer can then be utilized to create a "galactic gravitational lens" to simulate the gravitational lensing effect produced by real galactic dark matter halos. This method not only helps students gain a preliminary knowledge of gravitational lensing, galaxies, dark matter, and other astronomical concepts, but also increases their understanding of the application of 3D printing technology in the fields of mathematics and physical visualization.
Descriptors: Computer Simulation, Computer Peripherals, Printing, Science Instruction, Teaching Methods, Physics, Scientific Concepts, Astronomy, Science Process Skills, Computation, Mathematics, Visualization
American Association of Physics Teachers. One Physics Ellipse, College Park, MD 20740. Tel: 301-209-3300; Fax: 301-209-0845; e-mail: pubs@aapt.org; Web site: http://aapt.scitation.org/journal/pte
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A