Glider Dynamics on a Geodesic Grid

Cellular Automata (CA) are usually modeled in a Cartesian domain with periodic boundary conditions - which is a torus topology. If instead a geodesic grid is used, the positive curvature of the sphere makes itself known in the form of pinch-points, discontinuities, or poles. The icoasahedron distributes the curvature most evenly (in 12 equidistant points). The CA rules shown here were discovered through an interactive evolution tool. The emergent gliders are shown both on the periodic rectangle as well as on a geodesic grid. The curvature concentrated at the icosahedral points can be seen to warp the glider paths, and cause unique interactions. This is described more on the web site: http://www.ventrella.com/earthday/

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• cellular automata
• geodesic grid
• gliders
• sphere
• curvature
• hexagonal grid