|
|
"Inner Chamber" of Fractal Generator rendered in Bryce 2 Article by: Caplyn Dor ©June 1999 Compilation of graphics and credit of ideas to utilize Bryce2 by: Roger L. Bagula
I was forwarded an article from Roger L. Bagula entitled: " No Toy, Shiny Gadget Captures Chaos in Light Beams" by Malcolm W. Browne. After reading this article, I tried to visualize the fractal generator which produced these beautiful fractal arrays with kaleidoscopic images. Roger suggested that it would be a good idea to experiment with a graphics software package that we both have, entitled; "Bryce 2" to see if we could come up with anything substantial regarding the creation of fractals within this program. In my case, I have the demo version with limited capabilities; however, I wanted to try to see what it could accomplish; nonetheless. We really didn't know if an actual graphic depiction or a fair image of the fractal generator or a somewhat visual description was possible within this program; however, we were surprised to see the effects which were produced within these limitations. With my limited knowledge regarding fractals, I do not profess to understand the scientific implications regarding these, but rather, will use my background as being a fine visual artist that wishes to seek further explanation and the underlying structures which help to create these beautiful arrays and works of art which many resemble fine art masterpieces. What I have attempted to do is to show a compilation of images which
I have created within Bryce 2, then uploaded to Roger and he in turn compiled
a 6-set composite of these images which can be viewed below:
In all of the 6 pictured graphics, I have placed the balls strategically within all pictures so that a frontal view enables the viewer to see the "inner chamber" or center of the tetrahedron which resides within the center of this 4 ball pyramid. In all 6 pictures, I have used the material; Mirror, which has a reflective surface for the white sheet of paper which is placed directly beneath (or behind) the balls. I have also used red metal in the rendering of the red sheet of paper and blue metal in the rendering for the blue sheet of paper and placed the red sheet next to one side of the balls and placed the blue sheet next to the other side of the balls. In pictures numbers 3 and 5, I have replaced the pre-set background with a black background for a different visual effect. The rest of the pictures have the pre-set Bryce2 background. In all of the pictured graphics, I have used (3) silver balls as the pyramid's foundation in reference to Malcolm W. Browne's article. In pictures, numbers 1 and 4, I have also used a silver ball as the 4th (center ball) as well. In these two graphics, you simply see a reflective bounce of images within the "inner chamber" due to the (center ball) also being silver. I have placed a light source behind the center of the balls, however; in these two instances, it's possible that the fractals seen here are due to a reflective bounce rather than a centered light source. This is not clear. In the pictures, number 2, 3, 5 and 6, the 4th (center ball) was
rendered with a material of (mirror), (clear glass) or (water #3).
I have also placed a light source from behind the center of the balls so
that the reflective array can be seen by the viewer which appears as a
fractal within this "inner chamber". I have to admit that because
Bryce 2 is a ray-trace program that I'm not quite sure if the light source
which I used to shine from behind the center is displaying the fractal
due to the light or if it's due to a reflective bounce. Nonetheless,
there appears to be a self-simularity which is apparent and this is very
exciting. This now leaves room for further experimentation.
**On a personal note:
|