The mathematics
Each figure is the set of points where vibration cancels out: the nodal lines of the Chladni function, cos(mπx)·cos(nπy) − cos(nπx)·cos(mπy). The m and n controls choose how many half-waves fit across the plate in each direction.
Cymatics Simulator
When a plate vibrates, sand flees the motion and settles along the lines of silence. Adjust the vibration modes and watch Chladni figures come to life in real time.
Patterns to start with
Three layers
What you are seeing
Nature
In 1787, Ernst Chladni sprinkled sand over metal plates and made them vibrate with a violin bow. Sand leaps away from the moving regions and rests on the quiet lines; the same principle shapes a drumhead and the ripples on a lake.
The symbol
Watching sound create form is watching the invisible become visible. Ancient traditions describe the world being born from a primordial vibration; cymatics gives that intuition a concrete, measurable image.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is cymatics?
Cymatics is the study of the figures that vibration draws in physical media such as sand, water or salt. The name comes from the Greek kyma, wave, and was coined by Hans Jenny in the 1960s building on Ernst Chladni's experiments.
What are Chladni figures?
They are the patterns that appear when a plate vibrates in a resonance mode: sand gathers along the nodal lines, where the plate stays still. Each pair of modes m and n produces a different figure.
Does this simulator use real sound?
No. It solves the classical Chladni plate equation mathematically and draws the exact nodal lines. A microphone version, responding to your voice in real time, is part of the portal's plans.
Can I use the images I create?
Yes. The PNG download is free for personal and educational use; just keep the reference to the Geometria Sagrada portal when you share.
How does cymatics relate to sacred geometry?
Chladni figures show that form and frequency walk together: symmetric, mandala-like patterns emerge from simple physical laws. It is one of the most direct examples of geometry organizing the sensible world.
Sound is about to take even more shape
We are preparing the Visible Sound Room: live cymatics driven by your voice, right in the browser. Leave your email to hear about it first and receive the Lab's new instruments.