DLA - Diffusion Limited Aggregation

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2024-06-23 01:30:03

Many attractive images and life-like structures can be generated using models of physical processes from areas of chemistry and physics. One such example is diffusion limited aggregation or DLA which describes, among other things, the diffusion and aggregation of zinc ions in an electrolytic solution onto electrodes. "Diffusion" because the particles forming the structure wander around randomly before attaching themselves ("Aggregating") to the structure. "Diffusion-limited" because the particles are considered to be in low concentrations so they don't come in contact with each other and the structure grows one particle at a time rather then by chunks of particles. Other examples can be found in coral growth, the path taken by lightning, coalescing of dust or smoke particles, and the growth of some crystals. Perhaps the first serious study of such processes was made by Witten, T.A. and Sander, L. M. and published by them in 1981, titled: "Diffusion limited aggregation, a kinetic critical phenomena" in Physical Review Letters. number 47.

Another more colourful description involves a city square surrounded by taverns. Drunks leave the taverns and stagger randomly around the square until they finally trip over one their insensate companions at which time, lulled by the sounds of peaceful snoring, they lie down and fall asleep. The tendril like structure is an aerial view of the sleeping crowd in the morning.