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Abstract: While classical black holes do not lose mass, quantum mechanically they can be shown to radiate energy. The theoretical determination of this radiation, known as the Hawking Effect, was critical in showing that black holes obey the laws of thermodynamics and will eventually evaporate without the addition of extra mass. However, Hawking radiation, as well as other strong gravity quantum effects, are much too small to be experimentally measured and thus we rely on theoretical models and predictions to explore their implications. This thesis focuses on creating a theoretical mechanical analog representing black holes in order to demonstrate quantum effects, particularly Hawking radiation. It builds on prior work that presents cosmological phenomena as mechanical systems, mathematically described by some series of springs and masses, as well as ways to develop an artificial event horizon using signals slower than the speed of light. This is done by representing a black hole as an infinite series of mass and springs with a time dependent spring constant. The spring constant artificially creates an event horizon wherein signals from one side of the system are unable to escape. This thesis will iteratively build to this model through consideration of three systems in order to present a greater understanding of particle creation from vacuum and the quantum effects of evaporating black holes, which is an important step to bridging the gap between quantum mechanics and general relativity.

Advisor: Professor Miles Blencowe

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