reactivediffusion

ReactiveDiffusion is a software framework and set of tools for simulating reaction-diffusion systems to generate textures, patterns, and evolving visuals. It focuses on combining diffusion of chemical-like species with nonlinear reactions to drive pattern formation, a classically studied mechanism in chemistry, biology, and applied mathematics.

The concept dates to Alan Turing’s work on morphogenesis, and modern implementations adapt the governing equations into discrete, computable forms. This enables interactive exploration of parameter regimes that yield stripes, spots, spirals, and labyrinthine textures. In typical models, two or more species with concentrations u and v diffuse at rates Du and Dv and react according to nonlinear terms f(u,v) and g(u,v). The equations du/dt = Du ∇^2 u + f(u,v) and dv/dt = Dv ∇^2 v + g(u,v) govern the evolution. Users select initial conditions, boundary conditions, time steps, and discretization schemes. Many implementations use GPU shaders for real-time performance, while others run on the CPU or provide browser-based interfaces.

Applications include generative art, texture synthesis, educational demonstrations of pattern formation, and visual effects in media. The framework is typically cross-platform, supporting desktop, mobile, and web environments, and may expose APIs in languages such as JavaScript, Python, or C++. The license and exact feature set vary by distribution.

See also: Reaction–diffusion, Turing pattern, Generative art, Morphogenesis, Shader programming.