Here you can download a collection of various versions of the pattern known in applied mathematics as Gilbert's Tessellation.

They are named after the American mathematician Edgar Gilbert, who described this model of pattern formation during the 1960s. These patterns are also called ‘random crack network’ and are best known for being a mathematical model for the formation of mudcracks, needle-like crystals, and similar structures. In descriptive terms, the Gilbert tessellation pattern is created as follows:

  • on a plane surface, it is necessary to randomly distribute points in Poisson distribution;

  • then it is necessary to start spreading a crack in two (or more) opposite directions from each point, with the slope of the line chosen uniformly at random;

  • Gilbert tessellation occurs when these cracks continue to spread at a steady rate until they meet another crack; cracks can be lines, curves, arcs...

 

Gilbert's tessellation patterns
Available file formats

2D CAD (.dwg) and vector (svg and eps)

 

There are various versions of the Gilbert tessellation, which are easily generated by changing some parameters in the algorithm, defining the crack shape (horizontal and vertical line, angled line, arc, curve etc.).

In the following files you can download some of the generated patterns: Simple Gilbert's tessellation patterns, Gilbert's tessellation with axis Parallel Cracks, Gilbert's Tessellation with a Constant Direction and Multiple Cracks... 

Plus a bonus: Fracture patterns 

 

Submitted by Ceh Jan

 

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