An Australian National University mathematician has developed a new way to uncover simple patterns that might underlie apparently complex systems, such as clouds, cracks in materials or the movement of the stockmarket.

 

The method, named fractal Fourier analysis, is based on new branch of mathematics called fractal geometry.

 

The method could help scientists better understand the complicated signals that the body gives out, such as nerve impulses or brain waves.

 

“It opens up a whole new way of analyzing signals,” said Prof. Michael Barnsley, who presented his work at the New Directions in Fractal Geometry conference at ANU.

 

“Fractal Geometry is a new branch of mathematics that describes the world as it is, rather than acting as though it’s made of straight lines and spheres. There are very few straight lines and circles in nature. The shapes you find in nature are rough.”

 

The new analysis method is closely related to conventional Fourier analysis, which is integral to modern image handling and audio signal processing.

 

“Fractal Fourier analysis provides a method to break complicated signals up into a set of well understood building blocks, in a similar way to how conventional Fourier analysis breaks signals up into a set of smooth sine waves,” Barnsley said.

 

Barnsley’s work draws on the work of Karl Weierstrass from the late 19th Century, who discovered a family of mathematical functions that were continuous, but could not be differentiated.

 

“There are terrific advances to be made by breaking loose from the thrall of continuity and differentiability,” Barnsley said.

 

“The body is full of repeating branch structures — the breathing system, the blood supply system, the arrangement of skin cells, even cancer is a fractal.”