Rotary Harmonograph with Dampening

To get some more artistic variety in the simulated rotary harmonograph output, we introduce a dampening, i.e., causing the pen and table to run down as though from friction. Also, we can nudge our simple ratio slightly, to add a small element of discord or imperfection.

Here is the adjusted function:

(define (rot ang/tunit t phase dampfact)
  (* (make-rectangular (expt dampfact t) 0)
   (expt ei
         (+ phase (* ang/tunit t)))))

With very fine control of the ratios, dampening factor, and number of samples, we can produce a variety of effects. (I’m guessing this would be much more difficult with a physical harmonograph.)