2D wave equation with a localized initial pulse, demonstrating the failure of Huygens' principle in two dimensions
This program solves the 2D wave equation on the GPU starting from a localized initial pulse (flash), producing an expanding circular wavefront. The simulation shows the characteristic behavior of 2D wave propagation: unlike in odd spatial dimensions, a sharp initial pulse leaves a residual disturbance behind the expanding wavefront (Huygens’ principle fails in 2D). Boundary reflections and interference patterns develop as the wave interacts with the domain boundaries.
Controls: Click and drag to orbit, scroll to zoom.
