Generative Artwork Exploring Particle Dynamics & Flow Fields

Concept & Inspiration
"Viscous Flux" visualizes the tension between controlled systems and chaotic fluid dynamics, inspired by the behavior of high-viscosity fluids navigating constrained environments. The work draws parallels between industrial piping systems (represented by maze-like walls) and organic flow patterns, using computational physics to simulate particle interactions. The ever-changing flow field echoes natural phenomena like magnetic field lines or weather patterns, while the algorithmic color system nods to oxidized metal patinas.

Key Technical Components

1.
Particle Engine
2,000-6,000 particles (user-configurable) with mass-velocity relationships
HSL color space interpolation based on velocity vectors
Viscosity simulation via velocity damping factor (μ = 0.287)
Collision detection with maze walls using AABB (axis-aligned bounding box)
2.
Dynamic Flow Field
Perlin noise-driven vector field (20px resolution grid)
Triple noise offset (xOff, yOff, zOff) for temporal evolution
Force application using p5.Vector normalization and magnitude mapping
3.
Maze Architecture
Parametric wall generation with quadrant gap algorithm
Four primary walls containing 25%/75% entry points
Signed-distance field calculation for obstacle avoidance
4.
Physics Model
Newtonian mechanics implementation: F = m * a
Velocity clamping at user-defined maximum (1-5 units/frame)
Boundary condition handling with velocity inversion
Parameters & Features
Controlled through FXHash parametric system:

Parameter Range Effect
Base Size 3-9px Particle diameter seed value
Max Velocity 1-5 Speed ceiling for turbulence control
Base Hue 0-360 Core color theme (HSL space)
Particles 2000-6000 System complexity/density
Wall Hue 0-360 Maze color (vs particle contrast)
Features include real-time particle count tracking, obstacle complexity analysis, and emergent size distribution patterns.

Interaction Dynamics

1.
Flow Field acts as perpetual force generator (toggle with 'F')
2.
Mouse Input creates radial attraction/repulsion forces
3.
Boundary Collisions maintain energy within the system
4.
Noise Z-Offset creates gradual field metamorphosis over time
Particles exhibit:

Velocity-dependent opacity (50-255 alpha)
Mass-correlated acceleration response
Hue drift constrained to ±30° from base value
Technical Execution
Built with:

p5.js for rendering pipeline
FXHash wrapper for parameterization
HSL color space for perceptual uniformity
Monte Carlo methods for initial particle placement
Frame rate stabilized at 30 FPS through:

Spatial partitioning for collision checks
Pre-computed obstacle geometry
Lookup tables for trigonometric operations
Artistic Intent
This work questions the dichotomy between engineered systems and organic motion. By implementing real fluid viscosity values (0.287 Pa·s matching 15W-40 motor oil), it grounds digital abstraction in physical reality. The constrained maze becomes a metaphor for algorithmic boundaries in generative art, while particles represent creative possibilities navigating these structures.

The piece achieves its signature aesthetic through controlled randomness - Perlin noise drives both particle motion and color variation, creating emergent patterns that feel simultaneously intentional and naturally evolved.

Production Notes
To render: Execute in FXHash environment with WebGL acceleration. Final output captures frame 1500 (50s runtime) to show developed flow patterns while maintaining particle density. Cold hues suggest industrial fluids; warm tones evoke lava flow dynamics.