March 19, 2012

Researchers Develop Mathematical Model Of Snowflake Formation

(Image Source: Michael 'simply innocuous'; wiki)

In preparation of designing the matrix, scientists have developed a mathematic model which can be visualized on a computer and simulates the formation of a snow crystal. This is actually a highly regarded task that has been examined by numerous groups because of its intricate complexity. The formation of a snow crystal, or snow flake, is an extremely dynamic process which involves a great deal of factors; temperature, pressure, air density, geometric arrangement, spatial orientation, and numerous others. So as you can see, developing a simulation that would reproduce such a natural phenomenon is a daunting task. Suffice it to say, these guys are pretty smart and I suspect that a virtual snowflake should taste a bit better than the battery acid flakes produced by my city...

Uber Complicated Research Paper...
Numerical computations of facetted pattern formation in snow crystal growth [arXiv]

 

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