Building Blocks of Physics

Defining Objects & Properties

The first step is defining objects within your simulation. This involves specifying their mass, position (x, y, z coordinates), and potentially rotational properties like angular velocity. Accurate representation of these fundamental parameters is crucial for realistic results.

Each object can be assigned material properties such as density and coefficient of restitution. Density dictates how an object responds to forces, while the coefficient of restitution governs the energy transfer during collisions – a vital factor in many simulations.

F = ma  (Newton's Second Law)

Establishing Interactions & Forces

Once objects are defined, you must establish how they interact. This is typically done by applying forces to them. Common force types include gravitational force (F = G * m1*m2/r^2), spring force (F = -kx), and friction force (F = μN).

The Simulator Builder provides tools for defining these forces, including their magnitude and direction. Careful consideration of the appropriate force model is essential for accurate simulation results.

F_net = ma  (Newton's Second Law)

Collision Detection & Response

Collisions are a fundamental aspect of many physical systems. The Simulator Builder incorporates algorithms for detecting collisions between objects, typically based on distance calculations and overlap checks.

Upon collision detection, the system calculates the impulse (change in momentum) transferred during the event. This is then used to update the velocities of the colliding objects, accurately simulating energy loss and direction changes.

Impulse = Change in Momentum

Simulation Control & Parameters

The Simulator Builder allows control over various simulation parameters such as time step size (Δt). A smaller time step generally leads to greater accuracy but increases computational cost.

Furthermore, you can adjust the simulation’s gravity constant and damping factors. These parameters significantly impact the behavior of your simulated system, allowing for fine-tuning of results.

Velocity = Position / Time (for constant velocity simulations)

Frequently asked questions

Try it live

Everything above runs in your browser — open SPH Fluid and change the parameters while it is running. Nothing is installed, nothing is uploaded, the whole model lives in one tab.