Symmetry in Chaos: A Search for Pattern in Mathematics, Art, and Nature

by Michael Field, Martin Golubitsky

Symmetry suggests order and regularity whilst chaos suggests disorder and randomness. Symmetry in Chaos is an exploration of how combining the seemingly contradictory symmetry and chaos can lead to the construction of striking and beautiful images. This book is an engaging look at the interplay of art and mathematics, and between symmetry and chaos. The underlying mathematics involved in the generation of the images is described. This second edition has been updated to include the Faraday experiment, a classical experiment from fluid dynamics which illustrates that increasing the vibration amplitude of a container of liquid causes the liquid to form surface waves, instead of moving as a solid body. This second edition also includes updated methods for numerically determining the symmetry of higher dimensional analogues of the images. As well as this, it contains new and improved quality images.

Genres: Science, Mathematics, Art, Nonfiction

213 pages, Hardcover

First published December 3, 1992

Reviews

[Nica Noelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating but easy to follow guide to the world of fractals and cellular automata. This book was recommended to me by one of the country's leading mathematicians when I was first attempting to understand fractals.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated this book for how it got me to think about things I never spend time on. What is the definition of 'symmetry' and 'chaos'? Why do train wheels tend to move laterally? Why do people like those spiral wishing well coin funnels? I didn't understand a word of the mathematics, but it's an engaging book nonetheless.