Which type of spiral galaxy classification lacks distinct, grand spiral patterns due to less dominant density wave influence?

Flocculent spirals, where star formation appears more patchy and chaotic.

The visual manifestation of spiral structure is heavily dependent on the presence and stability of the density wave mechanism. Galaxies that display clear, sweeping, well-defined arms are often called Grand Design spirals because the density wave is stable and persistent. In contrast, galaxies classified as flocculent spirals exhibit star formation that looks far more chaotic, patchy, and irregular. This appearance suggests that the stabilizing, organizing influence of a robust, persistent density wave, which gathers gas into coherent lanes, is either absent or significantly less dominant in these systems, leading to less structured luminosity features.