Mathematical model for worm path simulation in 3D

This research presents the evaluation of a computer simulation for modelling shapes of paths traversed by various artificial species of worm on a 3D orthogonal grid. These resulting 3D worm trace patterns have not been modelled or analysed before. Simulation software was custom developed in multiple programming languages and platforms, supporting 3D graphics and virtual reality visualisations on various headsets and operating systems. A genetic encoding enables exploration of the full range of 3D worm phenotypes, this research modelled every possible unique worm in simulations up to 53.5 million time-steps. The results show that in this new 3D grid, there are 3239 potentially unique worms. Of the 3239 unique worms, 1882 (58%) terminated at the origin. Also 1352 (41%) of worms entered repeating loops, some complex loops were identified with lengths of up to 296639. Currently 5 worms (0.1%) continue to run chaotically beyond 53.5 million population in simulation runs, and their final outcome still has not been identified yet and remains unknown. Simple rules result in surprisingly complex and intricate movements. Images and unique outlier observations are presented demonstrating complex 3D patterns that emerge.

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Publication Details

Journal
PLoS ONE
Published
2026-09-11
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0358065
Primary Topic
Bacteriophages and microbial interactions
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Mathematical model for worm path simulation in 3D

Neil Vaughan
PLoS ONE
Bacteriophages and microbial interactions
article

Mathematical model for worm path simulation in 3D

Neil Vaughan
article en

Abstract

This research presents the evaluation of a computer simulation for modelling shapes of paths traversed by various artificial species of worm on a 3D orthogonal grid. These resulting 3D worm trace patterns have not been modelled or analysed before. Simulation software was custom developed in multiple programming languages and platforms, supporting 3D graphics and virtual reality visualisations on various headsets and operating systems. A genetic encoding enables exploration of the full range of 3D worm phenotypes, this research modelled every possible unique worm in simulations up to 53.5 million time-steps. The results show that in this new 3D grid, there are 3239 potentially unique worms. Of the 3239 unique worms, 1882 (58%) terminated at the origin. Also 1352 (41%) of worms entered repeating loops, some complex loops were identified with lengths of up to 296639. Currently 5 worms (0.1%) continue to run chaotically beyond 53.5 million population in simulation runs, and their final outcome still has not been identified yet and remains unknown. Simple rules result in surprisingly complex and intricate movements. Images and unique outlier observations are presented demonstrating complex 3D patterns that emerge.

PLoS ONEVol. 21(9)
University of Exeter (GB), Royal Academy of Engineering (GB)
Openalex Percentile: Top 11%
Bacteriophages and microbial interactions
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Mathematical model for worm path simulation in 3D — Neil Vaughan · PLoS ONE (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS