432Hz
mode
3,2
3,2
This simulates a Chladni plate — a metal plate sprinkled with sand and vibrated by sound. Sand grains bounce away from the parts of the plate that are vibrating most, and settle along the still lines (called nodal lines) where the plate isn't moving. The pattern that emerges is a direct picture of the standing wave.
Each grain of sand is its own particle. It reads the local vibration with the actual Chladni equation:
cos(nπx)·cos(mπy) − cos(mπx)·cos(nπy)
The integers n, m are the plate's resonant modes — they grow with frequency, just like a real plate. Higher frequency → higher modes → more intricate geometry.
Frequency sets the tone (Hz). Slide it to walk through dozens of patterns — circles, crosses, stars, mandalas.
Amplitude is how hard the plate is shaken. More amplitude = sand jumps further and settles faster.
Sand adds or removes grains. More grains, sharper lines.
Zoom pulls the camera in (3×) for fine detail, or pulls it back (0.4×) so you can see the whole pattern. You can also pinch directly on the plate or double-tap to reset to 1×.
Tap the plate to scatter fresh sand under your finger.
The eight presets are the Solfeggio frequencies plus 432 Hz — tones long associated with sacred geometry. Each produces a recognizably different form: 432 gives a clean lattice, 528 a flower-like center, 963 a fine mandala.
Tap Play to hear the actual sine wave driving the simulation. Headphones recommended — and start with amplitude low.
Cymatica runs as a full-screen app and works offline once installed. Pick your device below.
Tip: if you see an “Install now” button above, just tap it.
Tip: if you see an “Install now” button above, just click it.