Fine-tune the invisible
Change the modulation rate, sensitivity, and the number of nodal tracer particles. The main frequency and modulation faders remain directly on the bottom deck.
Controls the tremolo speed and animated envelope. The bottom Modulation fader controls its depth.
Higher selectivity emphasizes narrower resonance peaks in the mathematical model.
Import your own photograph with the Photo button. The image stays in your browser and is never uploaded.
Tap ★ Save at any frequency, then return here to revisit it.
Why geometry appears
A vibrating membrane supports standing-wave modes. Its mathematical nodes remain still while antinodes oscillate. Different frequencies preferentially excite different modes, producing beautiful structured patterns.
What is modeled: approximate normal modes of ideal square and circular membranes with fixed edges. The circular modes use Bessel functions, and the square modes use sine functions. The frequency slider sweeps through an illustrative set of resonances; the auto-sweep advances by exactly one integer hertz each second while the tab is active. The Discovery Map records a model response at each scanned frequency and snapshots changing patterns, not laboratory measurements.
What's artistic: glowing colors, slow-motion wave motion, mirrored/kaleidoscopic reflection, frequency-to-hue mapping, contour bands, photo overlays, and sand-like dots drifting toward nodal regions. This is not a validated Chladni metal plate or granular dynamics simulator. Modulation controls amplitude tremolo, not mechanical frequency modulation.
Sound: your browser generates the selected frequency as a continuous, low-volume tone, with user-activated audio to comply with autoplay rules. Keep the volume comfortable.