This is a simulation of a ripple tank. It demonstrates waves in two dimensions, including such wave phenomena as interference, diffraction (single slit, double slit, etc.), refraction, resonance, phased arrays, and the Doppler effect.

To get started with the applet, just go through the items in the Example menu in the upper right. You can also draw on the screen with the mouse. The predefined setups are just starting points; you can modify the sources and walls as you desire.

Click the 3-D View checkbox to see a 3-D view.

Full Directions.

Full screen version.

This is the WebGL version. You can also still access the old javascript version, and the even older Java Version.

2-D Waves Applet.

3-D Waves Applet.

Vibrating String Applet.

Rectangular Membrane Applet.

More applets.