"How to squash a mathematical tomato", Rubic's cube-like surfaces and their connection to reversible computation

Abstract: Here we show how reversible computation processes, like Margolus diffusion, can be envisioned as physical turning operations on a 2-dimensional rigid surface that is cut by a regular pattern of intersecting circles. We then briefly explore the design-space of these patterns, and report on the discovery of an interesting fractal subdivision of space by iterative circle packings. We devise two different ways for creating this fractal, both showing interesting properties, some resembling properties of the dragon curve. The patterns presented here can have interesting applications to the engineering of modular, kinetic, active surfaces.