Research Summary



Bioluminescent algae are tiny marine organisms that can produce a glow-in-the-dark effect as a defense mechanism triggered by movement. The chemical reaction that makes the light energy involves a luciferin molecule, which emits light from the organism’s body when it reacts with oxygen. When a mass of dinoflagellates is moved by waves or larger ocean life, a chemical reaction involving enzyme luciferase and compound luciferin produced by the algae causes bioluminescence.

Process Diagram



Houdini Algorithm



Animated Grid with wave

movement

Flip Simulation

Add glow and render

Particle system based

off change in velocity

Final Renderings



Final Renderings