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Another cool gravity simulator I found

Posted: Wed Dec 18, 2013 9:56 pm
by A Random Player
http://www.nowykurier.com/toys/gravity/gravity.html
It's somewhat similar to Andy/TTG's simulator. It's simpler, but a lot less laggy. Main differences are:
-'s
  • No custom laws
  • No saving/loading
  • No generate pictures
  • No zooming
  • Paths disappear upon moving
  • Euler n^2 integration (large erratic precession with most massive particles)
+'s
  • Custom particle size (any size!)
  • Merging
  • Particle radius and color dependent on mass
  • Significantly less lag
  • Add protoplanetary disc with ~700 particles
Also there's a fun little easter egg... (hint: That custom mass box. Any mass?)

Re: Another cool gravity simulator I found

Posted: Thu Dec 19, 2013 1:52 am
by testtubegames
Yeah, that's a neat one. Compared to my old version, I agree, there are pluses and minuses. Though I'm hoping this new version of the sim will fix a lot of those things in my 'minus' column.

As you could probably tell, I'm particularly excited about the lower amount of lag that I'm already getting in the new version. Fifty planets are no problem right now. As for getting all the way up to something like a protoplanetary disk (with ~700 planets)... that'll take a bit more work. But it's certainly do-able. (At that point, I'd definitely cut out the 'precise' calculations that I'm using, and lower down to something faster like Euler. That alone might do it.)

Re: Another cool gravity simulator I found

Posted: Thu Dec 19, 2013 10:18 am
by robly18
Heh, I already knew this one. It's alright, but I'll prefer precision and messing with physics over that any day.

Re: Another cool gravity simulator I found

Posted: Fri Dec 20, 2013 8:45 pm
by exfret
Yeah, I already knew of that one, too. I get a strange sense of deja vu when reading this thread. I think Andy's will prove to be much better once his full version gets completely working. Maybe then you could advertise it as "Best Gravity Simulator on the Web"!!!

Re: Another cool gravity simulator I found

Posted: Fri Dec 20, 2013 10:48 pm
by testtubegames
exfret wrote:I get a strange sense of deja vu when reading this thread.
Haha, sure. It's really great timing, though. Since I've started a bit of work in the new simulator, it's helpful to see an objective side-by-side comparison like this. Helps remind me of things to improve.

Re: Another cool gravity simulator I found

Posted: Fri Jan 03, 2014 11:00 pm
by testtubegames
Anyone seen Gravit?

Just stumbled across it and downloaded it. Looks like it could be very pretty -- certainly inspires me to make the simulator look flashier. (Ooooh, neon!) They also have a lot of features that you all have mentioned. Things like colors based on velocity.

Couldn't quite get it to work right, I don't think. The interface was very confusing, and I tend not to have patience for that kinda thing. Hence why my simulator is so straightforward: "Ooh a planet button, I'll click it! Now I'm adding planets!!" They're all: "Press F6 to start recording" Huh?

Seems they're also more focused on presets with massive amounts of particles. Galaxies, really. And not so much on the 'make your own solar system' thing. But I might be missing something.

Worth a look, though (and free, at that). Lessons learned here: space can be very pretty... and make sure a user can dive right in.

Re: Another cool gravity simulator I found

Posted: Sat Jan 04, 2014 10:47 am
by robly18
I'll take a look. I do remember seeing this when I was younger. I'll fiddle around with it. If I manage to make my own solar system, I'll be sure to let you know!