211.

[Cover] [Abbreviated Contents] [Contents] [Index]

Page 62

		1.4.9— The Embedding Dimension

		The embedding dimension describes the fractal dimension of the space that contains the fractal object.

		Usually, fractal objects are present in spaces whose dimensions are 1, 2, or 3. For example, the points in time when an ion channel switches open or closed are embedded along a l-dimensional time line. The retina is very thin. Thus, the nerves and the blood vessels in the retina are embedded in a 2-dimensional space. The tubes that bring air into the lung are spread out into a 3-dimensional space.

		However, fractal objects can also be present inside other fractal objects. For example, there are fractal patterns of the motion of molecules along the fractal surface of a solid catalyst.

 

[Cover] [Abbreviated Contents] [Contents] [Index]