Diffusion-limited aggregation

Abstract

Models of physical processes from the fields of physics and chemistry may be used to create a variety of beautiful visuals and structures that resemble living things. Diffusion limited aggregation, also known as DLA, is an illustration of this. It is a term used to explain, among other things, how zinc ions diffuse and assemble onto electrodes in an electrolytic solution. "Diffusion" refers to the random movement of the particles that make up the structure before they adhere ("Aggregate") to it. "Diffusion-limited" refers to the fact that the structure grows one particle at a time rather than in chunks of particles because the particles are thought to be in low concentrations, preventing them from coming into touch with one another. Other instances include the development of coral, the route of lightning, the coalescence of dust or smoke particles, and the development of certain crystals.Nature uses a variety of interesting and often simple processes to produce amazing shapes, patterns, and forms that span all scales and never cease to surprise and enlighten the keen observer. From the From the micro to the macro, matter uses a variety of logical, observable processes to arrange, enhance, and transform, often stacking on top of each other in complex ways. In this paper, Mathematicians will discuss a process called diffusion-restricted aggregation or DLA, which uses randomly moving and "sticky" particles to produce fractal branching structures.