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

Field, Michael J.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0198536895 ISBN 13: 9780198536895

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1992

Synopsis

This volume illustrates the varied pictures that may be produced when the seemingly contradictory ideas of symmetry and chaos are combined. Unlike the more modernistic fractal art, the symmetric chaos pictures have a classical, familiar feel. To emphasize this point, many of the designs are accompanied by contrasting pictures from architecture, art and nature. The book is written in layman's terms, and attempts to explain, in an elementary fashion, the mathematical ideas on which the symmetric chaos pictures are based. A number examples of symmetric chaos in the real world are presented, including engineering problems, "chaotic trains" and the pattern formation in fluid turbulence.

About this title

Review

"Field and Golubitsky are very good in explaining how equations and natural forces can produce stunning chaotic patterns."--The New York Review of Books"A spectacular picture book with background mathematical information for the reader who wants to explore the theory behind it all."--The Times Higher Education Supplement"Full of beautiful pictures. If Socrates had been able to interrogate Dr. Field and Dr. Golubitsky, his search for wisdom might have ended right there....Takes the reader with no previous knowledge through an impressive array of topics."--American Journal of Physics "Field and Golubitsky are very good in explaining how equations and natural forces can produce stunning chaotic patterns."--The New York Review of Books "A spectacular picture book with background mathematical information for the reader who wants to explore the theory behind it all."--The Times Higher Education Supplement "Full of beautiful pictures. If Socrates had been able to interrogate Dr. Field and Dr. Golubitsky, his search for wisdom might have ended right there....Takes the reader with no previous knowledge through an impressive array of topics."--American Journal of Physics "Field and Golubitsky are very good in explaining how equations and natural forces can produce stunning chaotic patterns."--The New York Review of Books "A spectacular picture book with background mathematical information for the reader who wants to explore the theory behind it all."--The Times Higher Education Supplement "Full of beautiful pictures. If Socrates had been able to interrogate Dr. Field and Dr. Golubitsky, his search for wisdom might have ended right there....Takes the reader with no previous knowledge through an impressive array of topics."--American Journal of Physics "Field and Golubitsky are very good in explaining how equations and natural forces can produce stunning chaotic patterns."--The New York Review of Books"A spectacular picture book with background mathematical information for the reader who wants to explore the theory behind it all."--The Times Higher Education Supplement"Full of beautiful pictures. If Socrates had been able to interrogate Dr. Field and Dr. Golubitsky, his search for wisdom might have ended right there....Takes the reader with no previous knowledge through an impressive array of topics."--American Journal of Physics

Book Description

A striking full-colour book which explores how combining symmetry and chaos can lead to the construction of remarkable 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.

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 1992
• ISBN 10: 0198536895
• ISBN 13: 9780198536895
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 230