The first is that in this code, you generate only one civilization per model, and this penalizes new civilizations if the probability for the old ones to be filtered out of existence is low. A more realistic model should create a number N of civilization home planets at each step.
The second and IMO more important one is that you assume a three dimensional sphere as a model of distance, so that for example two points at the exact opposite of the sphere are maximally distant. But if we are to accept the Big Bang model, we live in the surface of an expanding 4d sphere, and this means that two points at the polar opposite are the same point. This drastically increases the connectivity of the space.
@MrMind. Indeed, in a later edit I pointed out that a more realistic simulation would allow for the creation of multiple new civilizations at a time step.
However, your suggestion of modelling the geometry of the universe as a 4d sphere is not only relevant, but also easy to implement. I am not so sure how to handle the expansion. I admit to being rusty on my cosmology.
Two observations to improve the model.
The first is that in this code, you generate only one civilization per model, and this penalizes new civilizations if the probability for the old ones to be filtered out of existence is low. A more realistic model should create a number N of civilization home planets at each step.
The second and IMO more important one is that you assume a three dimensional sphere as a model of distance, so that for example two points at the exact opposite of the sphere are maximally distant. But if we are to accept the Big Bang model, we live in the surface of an expanding 4d sphere, and this means that two points at the polar opposite are the same point. This drastically increases the connectivity of the space.
@MrMind. Indeed, in a later edit I pointed out that a more realistic simulation would allow for the creation of multiple new civilizations at a time step.
However, your suggestion of modelling the geometry of the universe as a 4d sphere is not only relevant, but also easy to implement. I am not so sure how to handle the expansion. I admit to being rusty on my cosmology.