FRACTAL AGGREGATION
| Collection | International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004 |
| Vol. (num.) | 2(1) |
| ID | ◀ 1322 ▶ |
| Object type | Discipline oriented, Methodology or model |
T. WITTEN and L.M. SANDER described this method of clustering elements in a fractal way (as quoted by I. STEWART, 1992): “They started with a single ”seed“ particle, and created a growing cluster by allowing tiny circular particles to attach themselves one at a time. Succesive new particles moved towards the cluster in a ”random walk“, a series of random motions in all directions… Wherever the particles hit, they stuck. This process, which is known as diffusion limited aggregation, or Template:Ency entity, leads to delicate branching structures. Very similar forms are seen in nature: not only in soot, but also in the electrodeposition of metals and the growth of colonies of bacteria” (p.14).
H. SABELLI observes that the repetition of a simple fractal structure allows for the construction of complex and irregular structures, starting from a minimal genetic message. (pers. comm.)