Find 3D Models of Waves | Get Creative with 4D Displays

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the search for 3D (or 4D) models of waves, specifically light and sound waves, and whether such models exist that can be manipulated in a CAD-like environment. Participants explore the concept of visualizing waves in three dimensions, considering various parameters that could be represented.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in finding 3D or 4D models of waves and asks for direction on existing displays.
  • Another participant provides a link to a video of a dipole antenna, which does not meet the original request.
  • A participant clarifies that they are looking for a 3D model that can be rotated, with specific parameters like acoustic quality for sound waves and reflectivity for light waves.
  • Suggestions are made to use Google Sketchup to create a 3D representation of waves, but the original poster feels this does not align with their vision of a more complex model.
  • Links to various wave simulation resources are shared, but the relevance to the original request is questioned.
  • There is a suggestion that graphing software may be necessary to create the desired models, indicating a lack of clarity in communication among participants.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on the existence of the specific type of 3D wave models requested. There is disagreement on the interpretation of what constitutes a suitable model, with some participants suggesting existing tools while others feel these do not meet the original intent.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in communication regarding the specific requirements for 3D wave models, as well as the potential need for specialized software to achieve the desired visualizations.

DianaHerberg
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
I am looking for 3D (or 4D, etc.) images of waves (such as light or sound), but seem to be having difficulty locating such models. Can someone please direct me to this kind of display, or is it not something being currently done?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Thanks... however, that is not actually what I had in mind. What I mean is a 3D model, that can be rotated, etc. (as in a CAD program). For instance, with a sound wave, the 3rd dimension might be some measure of the acoustic quality of the sound... or for light, a measure of the reflectivity of the surface upon which the light is cast. Have models like these been done?
 
DianaHerberg said:
Thanks... however, that is not actually what I had in mind. What I mean is a 3D model, that can be rotated, etc. (as in a CAD program). For instance, with a sound wave, the 3rd dimension might be some measure of the acoustic quality of the sound... or for light, a measure of the reflectivity of the surface upon which the light is cast. Have models like these been done?
Google Sketchup 8 is a free CAD program. Simply draw a 2D wave, and use the follow me tool to draw it around a circle thus creating a 3D representation.
 
Here is what it would look like in Sketchup. Use the follow me tool to reach the third step. Note - the wave line must have a thickness.
 

Attachments

  • wave.png
    wave.png
    11.8 KB · Views: 484
Thank you kolleamm, but I think I must not be communicating my thoughts very well. What you have posted looks like a 2D curve extended into a 3rd dimension. What I actually have in mind is a 3D representation, charting three separate parameters (or possibly 4 or 5, if you added color and/or shading). I would expect the shape to look like wave that is bent this way and that in the 3rd dimension... unless, of course, there is some kind of pattern to the results, in which case there may be, for instance, a wave when viewed from other perspective(s). (Note: Before I posted the OP, I did find a thread from someone thinking along these lines - I think it is entitled "3D model of an EM wave" - but it did not include an example.)
 
DianaHerberg said:
I think I must not be communicating my thoughts very well.
I agree. I think you will just have to get some graphing software and plot what you want. I don't think that this guessing game is working.
 

Similar threads

Graduate Focus all of your ire on me, if you would
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Undergrad Way of producing 600kHz longitudinal waves - Piezo or siren
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
High School Need to Check GR Beliefs? Integrity Filter Here!
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
2K
High School Can someone please explain to me the motion of an electron?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
High School Question re photons/EM waves and the double slit experiment
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
High School Lensing Gravitational Waves Like Light?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Mini road trip: Riding the waves in the mountains
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
High School Photon particle independent of wave question
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
Help, can't visualize a fantasy worldbuilding mechanic
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Undergrad How Do Waves Propagate on a String?
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
5K