Deformation Spaces and Static Animations

Abstract: We study applications of 3D printing to the broad goal of understanding how mathematical objects vary continuously in families. To do so, we model the varying parameter as the vertical axis of a 3D print, introducing the notion of a static animation: a 3D printed object each of whose layers is a member of the continuously deforming family. We survey examples and draw connections to algebraic geometry, complex dynamics, chaos theory, and more. We also include a detailed tutorial (with accompanying code and files) so that the reader can create static animations of their own.