Mathematics and beauty V: Turbulent complex curls

Abstract

To help characterize complicated physical and mathematical structures and phenomena, computers with graphics can be used to produce visual representations with a spectrum of perspectives. In this paper, algorithms are described for the computer graphics rendering of a particular class of chaotic structures created from complex iteration. This paper differs from others in that its focuses on one small region of the complex plane and on nonstandard convergence tests. Reader involvement is encouraged by giving "recipes" for the various turbulent forms, and the resulting maps reveal a visually striking and intricate class of shapes. © 1987.