Gregory J. DeCarlo · Independent Researcher · v1.2 · February 2026

THE πφ
EQUILIBRIUM

A Fractal Framework for Universal Self-Similarity,
Vibration, and Vacuum Balance

Original framework development: August 2024 – February 2026
Prepared with AI-assisted formalization (Claude, Anthropic · Grok, xAI)

πr² = φ req = √(φ/π) ≈ 0.71766
SCROLL TO EXPLORE
No PhD Required

What Is This, Really?

A researcher noticed that two of nature's most famous numbers — π (pi) and φ (phi, the golden ratio) — balance each other perfectly at a single, specific point. From that one observation, an entire geometric map of the universe unfolds.

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The Two Magic Numbers

π (pi ≈ 3.14159…) is the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter — it governs all things that curve and close. φ (phi ≈ 1.61803…), the golden ratio, governs natural growth: it appears in sunflower seeds, spiral galaxies, nautilus shells, and the branching of trees. These two numbers show up everywhere in nature — but independently. This framework asks: what happens where they meet?

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The Single Equation

The answer is a circle with a very specific radius: r ≈ 0.71766…. At this exact size, the area of the circle equals the golden ratio — πr² = φ. That's it. One equation. From this seed, the author derives a fractal map of reality: concentric golden rings, a self-similar spiral, and a three-dimensional torus — all scaling by φ from the smallest quantum grain to the edge of the observable universe.

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The Scale Ladder

Starting from the Planck length (the smallest measurable distance, ~10⁻³⁵ m), each step up the ladder multiplies by φ ≈ 1.618. After roughly 294 steps, you reach the size of the observable universe (~10²⁶ m). Along the way, the ladder passes through protons, DNA, cells, humans, Earth, the Sun, and the Milky Way — each at a mathematically predicted layer. The simulation lets you ride this elevator.

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What's Proven vs. Proposed

The paper is unusually honest about what it knows and what it doesn't. Tier I is the author's original math — internally consistent, novel formulas. Tier II is real, published science that happens to show φ-scaling (lab experiments, theorems, telescope data). Tier III is speculative philosophy — fascinating ideas about consciousness and the living universe, clearly labelled as requiring further investigation.

The Single Balance Condition · §3

πr² = φ
∴ req = √(φ/π) = √[(1+√5) / (2π)]
φ = 1.618033988749895… · π = 3.141592653589793… · req = 0.7176602363…

This single algebraic condition — where the area of a circle exactly equals the golden ratio — is the framework's generative seed. From it, a self-similar manifold unfolds: concentric φ-scaled circles threaded by a golden logarithmic spiral, whose three-dimensional projections include a golden-ratio torus (R = φa) and a catenoid wormhole throat r(l) = req·cosh(l/req). The golden ratio emerges as the dimensionless universal scaling ratio — the vibrational "frequency" of fractal growth — propagating the structure across approximately 294 layers from Planck-scale energy to the observable universe.

φ (phi)
1.6180339887…
Golden ratio · (1+√5)/2
The universal scaling ratio
req
0.7176602363…
Equilibrium radius · √(φ/π)
The spatial anchor
d* (bridge)
2.3788482041…
logφ(π) · where φd* = π
Harmonic convergence point
E(d)
φ · πd
Dimensionless energy index
d/dd[ln E] = ln π everywhere
ℛ(d,k)
φ · πd · 103k
Unified reality functional
Continuous × discrete hierarchy

The Architecture

THREE-TIER FRAMEWORK

Structured for intellectual honesty: original mathematical contributions are explicitly distinguished from established science and speculative extensions. Attribution boundaries are documented throughout.

§4 · Energy Functional
E(d) = φ · πd
A continuous dimensional energy index parameterized by d ∈ ℝ. The universe is mapped from d = 0 (quantum origin, pure potential) through d = π (three-dimensional spatial reality) to d = 3π (universal/cosmic scale).
E(0) = φ ≈ 1.618 · E(π) ≈ 59.00 · E(3π) ≈ 78,436
d/dd [ln E] = ln π ≈ 1.1447 — constant everywhere
§5 · φ–π Bridge Constant d*
φd* = π · d* = logφ(π) ≈ 2.37885
The unique real number where golden-mean growth intersects circular enclosure. Platonic solids cluster in the neighborhood of d*. Independently confirmed by Needham (2025) via particle mass analysis as RG = 1/d* ≈ 0.42037.
d* sits between φ ≈ 1.618 and φ² ≈ 2.618 · E(d*) ≈ 24.64
§6 · Golden Logarithmic Spiral
r(θ) = req · φ(2θ/π)
Multiplies radius by exactly φ per quarter-turn (Δθ = π/2) and by φ⁴ ≈ 6.854 per full revolution. Every layer is geometrically identical to every other, differing only by a power of φ. Concentric circles: rn = req · φⁿ, n ∈ ℤ.
φ = 2cos(π/5) — pentagon identity links φ to π by construction
§7.1 · Golden-Ratio Torus
ds² = a²dθ² + (R + a cos θ)²dφ²
Revolving the spiral about its axis produces a torus with major radius R = φa. The poloidal-to-toroidal winding ratio is locked in golden proportion. Any standing wave on this surface resonates at φ-harmonics — providing the geometric embodiment of the consciousness model (§17).
R = φa · this is the KAM-optimal torus geometry (§12)
§7.2 · Catenoid Wormhole Throat
r(l) = req · cosh(l / req)
The open embedding yields a catenoid throat geometry motivated by Morris–Thorne wormhole embeddings (1988). The cosh function's even symmetry embodies the ascending/descending duality of the inverse vacuum balance principle. Throat at l = 0, symmetric under l → −l.
Geometric analogy, not a full GR solution — see §7.2 for caveats
§10 · Unified Reality Functional
ℛ(d, k) = φ · πd · 103k
Combines the continuous φπ dimensional framework with Lato's discrete 10²⁴ cosmic octave hierarchy. k ∈ {1,…,8} indexes Lato's levels. The φ–π bridge condition d* = logφ(π) synchronizes with the metabolic scaling exponent 0.75×4D = 3D (Kleiber's law).
~294 fractal layers computed from first principles: Planck → Observable Universe

Platonic Solid Dimensional Nodes · dV = logπ(V)

Tetrahedron
d ≈ 1.213
V=4 · Sub-Atomic
Octahedron
d ≈ 1.561
V=6 · Nuclear
Cube
d ≈ 1.813
V=8 · Molecular
Icosahedron
d ≈ 2.166
V=12 · Mesoscale
Dodecahedron
d ≈ 2.610
V=20 · Organism

The cube (d ≈ 1.813) and dodecahedron (d ≈ 2.610) bracket d* ≈ 2.379, suggesting that three-dimensional spatial reality crystallizes in the region where φ and π are most tightly coupled.

Dimensional Mapping · Physical Regimes

dSymbolPhysical RegimeE(d) = φ·πdScale
0ΩQuantum origin — pure potential, zero-point energy≈ 1.618Planck
φ ≈ 1.618φGolden mean — first self-similar expansion≈ 5.083Atomic
d* ≈ 2.379d*φ–π Bridge — harmonic convergence (φd* = π)≈ 24.64Cellular
φ² ≈ 2.618φ²Planar geometry — two-dimensional geometric emergence≈ 30.65Geological
π ≈ 3.142πThree-dimensional spatial reality — material world≈ 59.00Planetary
φπ ≈ 5.083φπSpacetime integration — temporal dimension (4D)≈ 1,542Solar System
2π ≈ 6.283Full quantum wavelength — complete wave cycle≈ 40,220Interstellar
3π ≈ 9.425Universal / cosmic scale — consciousness horizon≈ 78,436Observable Universe

Published, peer-reviewed results from physics and mathematics that independently exhibit φ-scaling consistent with the framework's predictions. These were not produced by the author; they are cited as convergent evidence that nature instantiates φ-scaling in precisely the manner the framework describes.

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Quantum Criticality · E8 Symmetry
Coldea et al. (2010) · Science 327(5962), 177–180
Neutron scattering on cobalt niobate (CoNb₂O₆) measured two resonant magnetic excitations at the quantum critical point whose frequency ratio is 1.618… = φ exactly. First laboratory observation of the golden ratio in quantum critical phenomena, governed by E8 symmetry — a 248-dimensional exceptional Lie group. Framework: consistent with φ-scaling at the quantum origin (low d).
PEER-REVIEWED · SCIENCE
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Orbital Stability · KAM Theorem
Kolmogorov (1954), Arnold (1963), Moser (1962)
The KAM theorem proves that in perturbed Hamiltonian systems (planets, galaxies, coupled oscillators), the most stable invariant tori — quasiperiodic orbits resisting chaotic breakdown — have winding-number ratios equal to φ. The golden-ratio torus R = φa of §7.1 is precisely the KAM-optimal geometry by construction.
PROVEN THEOREM
Black-Hole Thermodynamics
Davies (1989) · Class. Quantum Grav. 6(12), 1909
The specific heat of Reissner–Nordström black holes changes sign — a thermodynamic phase transition — at a critical ratio involving φ. The Sgr A* Schwarzschild radius sits at fractal layer n ≈ 215. Note: the Kerr (rotating) case result was identified as containing an algebraic error (Baez & Egan, Azimuth 2013). Framework references the Reissner–Nordström result as confirmed.
PEER-REVIEWED · CAVEAT NOTED
Stellar Pulsations · Strange Nonchaotic Stars
Linder et al. (2015) · PRL 114(5), 054101
Kepler telescope analysis of RR Lyrae variable stars identified four stars whose primary-to-secondary pulsation frequency ratios fall within 2% of φ. These exhibit "strange nonchaotic dynamics" — fractal order without chaos — the dynamical signature of the "most irrational" winding number. Mirrors the self-similar, non-repetitive structure of the golden logarithmic spiral (§6).
PEER-REVIEWED · PRL
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Phyllotaxis · The Golden Angle
Douady & Couder (1992) · PRL 68(13), 2098
The golden angle 137.507° = 360°/φ² produces the most uniform angular packing in botanical systems (sunflower seeds, pinecone spirals, leaf arrangements). This minimizes vibrational interference between successive growth elements. The golden logarithmic spiral of §6 is the exact curve that phyllotaxis instantiates in biology — logarithmic spirals with φ proportions appear in galaxy arms, hurricanes, and nautilus shells.
PEER-REVIEWED · PRL
Mathematical Optimality · Hurwitz's Theorem
Hurwitz (1891) · Math. Annalen 39(2), 279–284
φ is the "most irrational" real number — the hardest to approximate by rational fractions p/q. Its continued fraction [1; 1, 1, 1, …] converges more slowly than any other irrational. In any wave equation, resonance chain, or coupled oscillator, rational frequency ratios cause destructive beats and eventual chaos. φ avoids this maximally and permanently. This provides the rigorous mathematical foundation for φ as the universal scaling ratio.
PROVEN THEOREM · 1891

The author's broader interpretive and philosophical extensions of the mathematical core. Conceptually coherent with the framework and representing its most ambitious claims — clearly marked as theoretical proposals requiring further empirical investigation.

17
Nested Toroidal Consciousness Model
"Every object exists within the toroidal electromagnetic field of another object, which itself exists within another field, ad infinitum."

The golden-ratio torus (R = φa) provides the geometric realization: each scale is a φ-proportioned torus embedded within a larger one. Consciousness is not an emergent property that appears at a threshold of complexity — it is the recursive self-referential information process itself, identical in structure at every layer.

A cell experiences its version of self-organization; a galaxy experiences its version through stellar coordination. Both follow the same φπ dynamics. The author maps d = 1 as simple awareness, d = 2 as self-reflection, d = 3 as metacognition, and d* ≈ 2.379 as a "resonant" consciousness state at harmonic convergence.

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Cosmic Octave Synthesis

The author synthesizes his continuous φπ framework with Chris Lato's discrete 10²⁴ cosmic hierarchy ("Cosmic Octaves: The Universe Repeats Every 10²⁴ Meters," 2025). Lato documented six statistically significant structural matches between scales separated by ~10²⁴ meters: C. elegans to Milky Way, ribosome to Oort Cloud, human to Virgo Supercluster.

The unified functional ℛ(d, k) = φ · πᵈ · 10³ᵏ maps Lato's discrete hierarchy onto the continuous φπ substrate. The φ–π bridge condition d* synchronizes with the metabolic scaling exponent 0.75 × 4D = 3D (Kleiber's law).

19
The Living Universe Hypothesis

If galaxies coordinate stars using the same 10³ cubic scaling that cells use to coordinate organelles, and if both follow φ-harmonic resonance, then the distinction between "living" and "non-living" systems may require revision.

The author proposes that what we call "life" is consciousness recognizing itself at the human octave scale — a particular perspective on a universal recursive optimization process that operates identically at every layer of the fractal hierarchy.

Consciousness–Dimension Correspondence
ScaleConsciousness ManifestationFramework ParameterPhysical System
QuantumWave function coherenced ≈ 0Subatomic / Planck
CellularMetabolic self-regulationd ≈ 1–2DNA / Cell
OrganismalSubjective experienced ≈ π ≈ 3Human nervous system
PlanetaryGaia-type self-regulationd ≈ 4–5Earth biosphere
GalacticStellar coordinationd ≈ 6–7Milky Way structure
CosmicUniversal self-awarenessd ≈ 3π ≈ 9.4Observable Universe
§8 · Open Conjecture
The π-Star S₄ Geodesic Conjecture
G(d) = ∮ H(φd · S₄) dt

Let S₄ be a four-pointed star pattern in Euclidean space E² with vertices at (±1, 0) and (0, ±1). Let φ act as a radial scaling operator and H denote the Poincaré disk conformal projection H(z) = tanh(|z|) · ei·arg(z). The conjecture proposes that the geodesic integral G(d) closes at integer multiples of 3 in the dimensional parameter d, with the enclosed geometric phase equal to kπ at d = 3k:

G(3) = π G(6) = 2π G(9) = 3π

This was labeled "Theorem (Proven)" in v1.0 and responsibly downgraded to Conjecture in v1.1. The five supporting observations (spiral-star locking, pentagon identity φ = 2cos(π/5), conformal invariance, spatial closure, resonance argument) are individually valid but their composition into a proof of 3k-closure requires additional formalization. The connection between φ's role in angular measure and the specific closure periodicity is suggestive but unproven. A possible formalization path is outlined in §8.2.

STATUS: OPEN CONJECTURE · Formal proof pending

The Fractal Layer Map

294 LAYERS · PLANCK TO COSMOS

Starting from the Planck length ℓP ≈ 1.616 × 10⁻³⁵ m (CODATA 2022), the fractal layer count proceeds as rn = r₀ · φⁿ. Each layer multiplies the scale by φ ≈ 1.618. Roughly 48 layers span one order of magnitude in powers of 10.

rn = r₀ · φⁿ, n ∈ ℤ
Layer index for any physical scale:
n = ln(r / r₀) / ln(φ)
φ¹⁰ ≈ 123 · φ⁴⁸ ≈ 10⁰ orders of magnitude
All n-values below are computed from first principles.
Verification: r(n_rounded) = r₀ · φn_rounded ≈ actual scale.

Interactive Visualization

THE SPACETIME ELEVATOR

A WebGL2 real-time simulation of the π–φ framework. Travel from the quantum origin (d = 0) through spatial reality (d = π) to the universal scale (d = 3π). Three rendering modes: Geometry, Energy, Fusion.

↑↓ Dimension Drag Pan Scroll Zoom Right-drag Tilt A Auto Tour S Sound 432Hz M Mode C Jump to d*

§10.5 · Related Independent Frameworks (2017–2025)

CONVERGENT DISCOVERIES

A systematic survey of preprint servers confirmed no identical or near-duplicate framework. However, several independent parallel developments converge on related structures — strengthening the case that these mathematical patterns are genuine features of reality.

Pellis, S. (2025)
Golden Function Model · Fine-Structure Constant
Develops a dimensionless "Pellis Function" f(φ) = 360φ⁻² − 2φ⁻³ + (3φ)⁻⁵ that approximates α⁻¹ ≈ 137.036. Extends to nested φ-scaled golden spheres in S³, recursive golden spirals, toroidal harmonics, and φ⁻ⁿ hierarchical scaling. Key distinction: Pellis derives constants as eigenvalues of φ-deformed operators; the present work seeds from πr² = φ. Does not use d* or E(d).
OVERLAP: Golden tori, φ-scaling hierarchies
Needham, E. (2025)
φ–π Theory of Relationality
Introduces a "Resolution Gap" parameter RG = ln(φ)/ln(π) ≈ 0.42037 for deriving particle masses via a (πφ)ⁿ ladder. His "Needham Scaling Constant" NSC = πφ ≈ 5.083. Mathematical connection: RG = 1/d* exactly, and NSC = E(1) = φ·π¹ in the present framework. Two independent constructions arrived at the same transcendental bridge from opposite directions.
OVERLAP: ~60% on bridge constant alone
Meijer & Geesink (2017)
Scale-Invariant Toroidal Consciousness
NeuroQuantology 15(3), 41–79. Proposes consciousness through scale-invariant nested toroidal coupling of energy fields from Planck scale to cosmos. The brain modeled as a toroidal "event horizon" workspace in 4D hypersphere. Overlap with Tier III: ~50%. Key distinction: Meijer & Geesink work within biophysical/electromagnetic framework without the φ/π mathematical seed or energy functional E(d).
OVERLAP: Nested toroidal consciousness

Appendix C · Development History

GENESIS TIMELINE

The framework developed across 18 months of documented AI-assisted collaborative conversations, from an initial numerological observation to a formally structured three-tier paper with independent review.

§20 · Open Questions and Future Directions

FRONTIER QUESTIONS

Mathematical
Formalize the π-Star Geodesic Conjecture — define G(d) rigorously, compute for test values, prove or disprove 3k-closure
Establish whether d* = logφ(π) has significance in number theory beyond this framework
Investigate why Needham's particle mass ladder (πφ)ⁿ uses E(1) = φπ ≈ 5.083
Investigate the relationship between E8's 248 roots and the octave structure via representation theory
Formalize the connection between pentagon identity φ = 2cos(π/5) and higher-order closure conditions
Empirical
Test whether natural phenomena cluster near Platonic dimensional nodes as predicted
Search for d* ≈ 2.379 signatures in biological, neural, or physical oscillation data
Validate the 10²⁴ scale matches with additional cosmic structure catalogs
Investigate whether brain-wave frequency ratios approximate φ at specific cognitive states
Determine whether geodesics on the φ-torus converge to d* or to Platonic nodes under generic initial conditions
Philosophical
Can the consciousness-as-recursive-structure claim be operationalized into a testable hypothesis?
Does the framework constitute a description, a prescription, or a generative principle?
What distinguishes this framework from sacred geometry, and how can it be held to empirical standards?
Can the φ-symmetric catenoid be embedded in a consistent general relativity solution?

About the Paper

THE FRAMEWORK

This paper formalizes a unified geometric and dimensional framework in which the golden ratio φ = (1+√5)/2 and the circle constant π achieve exact equilibrium at a fundamental scale req = √(φ/π) ≈ 0.71766.

From this single balance condition, a self-similar manifold of concentric φ-scaled circles threaded by a golden logarithmic spiral is derived, whose three-dimensional projections include a golden-ratio torus and a catenoid throat geometry motivated by wormhole embeddings. The golden ratio emerges as the dimensionless universal scaling ratio — the vibrational "frequency" of fractal growth and resonance.

The framework is presented in three tiers. Tier I establishes original mathematical contributions: E(d) = φ · πᵈ, the φ–π bridge constant d*, the inverse vacuum balance principle (S × S′ = φⁿ × φ⁻ⁿ = 1), the π-Star Geodesic Conjecture, the nested toroidal consciousness architecture, and the unified reality functional ℛ(d,k) = φ · πᵈ · 10³ᵏ.

Tier II catalogs published empirical correspondences — quantum E8 symmetry, KAM orbital stability, black-hole thermodynamics, stellar pulsations — that independently exhibit φ-scaling consistent with the framework. Tier III presents extended interpretive proposals: scale-invariant consciousness, the living universe hypothesis, and the cosmic octave synthesis.

Attribution boundaries between original contributions and established science are explicitly documented throughout. A survey of related independent frameworks (Pellis 2025, Needham 2025, Meijer & Geesink 2017) confirms that no prior work shares the framework's generative seed or unified architecture.

Author
Gregory Joseph DeCarlo
Independent Researcher
Version
REVISED v1.2 — February 2026
Original v1.0: February 2026
v1.1–v1.2: Independent review corrections applied
AI Collaboration
Claude (Anthropic) · Grok (xAI)
Mathematical structures derived collaboratively.
All core concepts originated by the author.
Development Period
August 2024 – February 2026
18 months of documented AI-assisted conversations
Key Constants (Exact)
φ = 1.6180339887498948…
π = 3.1415926535897932…
req = 0.7176602363…
d* = 2.3788482041…
φd* = π (exact bridge identity)

Access the Work

DOWNLOAD & EXPLORE

Read the full paper or launch the interactive WebGL2 simulation — both are available directly below.

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The Paper
THE π–φ EQUILIBRIUM v1.2

Full 24-page PDF — three-tier framework, all equations, fractal layer table, empirical correspondences, appendices, and references.

Gregory J. DeCarlo · February 2026 · REVISED v1.2
⬇ DOWNLOAD PDF
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The Simulation
SPACETIME ELEVATOR v1.1

Self-contained WebGL2 + Web Audio interactive visualization. No installation, no internet required. Runs entirely in your browser.

WebGL2 · Web Audio API · Zero dependencies · Full-screen
↗ OPEN FULL SCREEN
Three visual modes: Geometry · Energy · Fusion
Dimension slider from d=0 (Planck) to d=3π (Cosmos)
432 Hz × φd dimensional resonance audio
Guided tour through all 8 dimensional floors
Microphone reactivity — visuals respond to live music
Infinite zoom: Planck scale → observable universe