FREE ESSAY ON FRACTALS

FRACTALS

Fractals Review
The videotape Fractals was narrated by a writer of science fiction, R.C. Clark, who is
the creator of 2001 Space Odessy. Individuals interviewed, experts on the subject
included professor Stuart, Dr. Michael Barnsley, Steven Hawkins, author of A Brief
History in Time, and creator of the Mandelbrot set, Dr. Benoit Mandlebrot. These men
introduced us to their insight of fractals, provided people with much new and fascinating
information on this obscure topic, and left the audience with questioning minds.
The scientists and experts reporting on fractals gave detailed descriptions of these
images. They explained that a fractal is based on simple principles, rather than
complicated components, and it was not discovered until the era of modern computers. A
fractal is an image comprised of the equation Z z +c, which was formulated by Dr.
Mandlebrot. This equation is defined by coordinates and positions on a plane that locate
a spot. Fractals are images that are the same all over and their changing patterns can be
magnified unlimited times. The patterns and bright colors change regularly and are very
consistent. With continuous magnification, a baby Mandlebrot set can be found in every
image.
Fractals are fragmented; they are fractional images that we are surprisingly accustomed
to. These images can be observed in objects we see every day, specifically in nature.
From the edges and appearances of clouds, trees, rocks, ferns, and flowers, the fine
structure and resemblence of fractals is obvious. Certain objects are examples of the
entire fractal, including the Mandela, a religious symbol, stained glass designs in many
church windows, the sculpture of Buddha, paintings and the design of blood vessels. It is
understood that the fractal can be perceived, but what purpose does it serve?
And this is what the scientists are still researching, the actual application of
fractals. Fractal dimensions are applied primarily through data, making them a major tool
in descriptive science and engineering. The military and NASA also have a use for
fractals, which compress data for less difficult transmission to satellites in space.
Fractals make pictures of leaves in collages and can reconstruct colorful and precise
details of a magnified image.
Other than these examples, fractals are presently useless to the common person. However,
experts will soon be developing new devices to utilize, but it is practically certain
that it will take some time for them to really figure out the fractal.