Our systems are now restored following recent technical disruption, and we’re working hard to catch up on publishing. We apologise for the inconvenience caused. Find out more

Recommended product

Popular links

Popular links


Symmetry in Chaos

Symmetry in Chaos

Symmetry in Chaos

A Search for Pattern in Mathematics, Art and Nature
2nd Edition
Michael Field, University of Houston
Martin Golubitsky, Ohio State University
August 2009
This item is not supplied by Cambridge University Press in your region. Please contact Soc for Industrial & Applied Mathematics for availability.
Hardback
9780898716726
AUD$127.27
exc GST
Hardback

    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.

    • A stunning collection of mathematically generated full colour images
    • Describes how a chaotic process can eventually lead to symmetric patterns
    • A classic in the interdisciplinary field of art and mathematics

    Reviews & endorsements

    'An impressive and beautiful exploration of an impressive and beautiful area of mathematics – the interplay between order and chaos. The images are breathtaking, the mathematics fundamental. Symmetry in Chaos is an important book, a work of art, and a joy to read.' Ian Stewart, author of Why Beauty is Truth

    'A classic in the interdisciplinary field of art and mathematics, this very well written book takes the ingenious idea of combining symmetry with chaos to construct stunning images that anyone can enjoy, in particular mathematicians, who can also appreciate the underlying mathematics. Beautiful art cannot be the result of just clever computer graphics. The artist must also have a keen sense of color and that intangible artistic sensibility, which is present in Symmetry in Chaos. Anyone interested in the relationship of art and mathematics should read this book.' Nat Friedman, Director, International Society of the Arts, Mathematics and Architecture

    See more reviews

    Product details

    August 2009
    Hardback
    9780898716726
    213 pages
    287 × 225 × 19 mm
    1.06kg
    This item is not supplied by Cambridge University Press in your region. Please contact Soc for Industrial & Applied Mathematics for availability.

    Table of Contents

    • 1. Introduction to symmetry and chaos
    • 2. Planar symmetries
    • 3. Patterns everywhere
    • 4. Chaos and symmetry creation
    • 5. Symmetric icons
    • 6. Quilts
    • 7. Symmetric fractals
    • Appendix A. Picture parameters
    • Appendix B. Icon mappings
    • Appendix C. Planar lattices
    • Bibliography
    • Index.
      Authors
    • Michael Field , University of Houston

      Michael Field has been a Professor at the University of Houston since 1992. He received his PhD in mathematics from the University of Warwick in 1970. His research interests include ergodic theory, coupled cell systems, the geometric theory of dynamical systems with symmetry and the mechanisms whereby symmetry can lead to complex dynamics in low dimensional systems.

    • Martin Golubitsky , Ohio State University

      Martin Golubitsky is Distinguished Professor of Mathematics and Physical Sciences at the Ohio State University, where he serves as Director of the Mathematical Biosciences Institute. He received his PhD in Mathematics from M.I.T. in 1970 and has been Professor of Mathematics at Arizona State University (1979–83) and Cullen Distinguished Professor of Mathematics at the University of Houston (1983–2008). Dr Golubitsky works in the fields of nonlinear dynamics and bifurcation theory studying the role of symmetry in the formation of patterns in physical systems and the role of network architecture in the dynamics of coupled systems. He has co-authored four graduate texts, one undergraduate text, two nontechnical trade books, and over 100 research papers.