Technical documentation, equations, and computational methods for understanding granular materials simulation in interactive applications.
The core of our particle simulation relies on the Discrete Element Method, where each sand grain is treated as a rigid body with specific properties. The fundamental equations governing particle motion are:
Particle interactions are modeled using Hertz-Mindlin contact theory, accounting for both normal and tangential forces:
GPU-accelerated particle updates using WebGL compute shaders for handling thousands of simultaneous calculations.
Efficient neighbor detection using uniform grid spatial partitioning reduces collision detection complexity from O(n²) to O(n).
Velocity-Verlet integration scheme ensures numerical stability while maintaining energy conservation in the system.
Hybrid approach combining DEM with simplified fluid dynamics for realistic avalanche and flow behaviors.
Beyond gaming, this physics simulation platform has potential applications in various research domains:
Understanding soil behavior, landslide mechanics, and foundation stability through interactive particle simulations. The platform can model different soil types by adjusting particle properties and interaction parameters.
Investigating powder processing, pharmaceutical tablet formation, and ceramic sintering through granular flow visualization. Particle size distribution and shape effects can be studied interactively.
Interactive demonstration of fundamental physics concepts including conservation laws, energy transfer, and statistical mechanics through hands-on particle manipulation.
This platform represents an ongoing exploration of how advanced physics simulation can be made accessible through web technologies. Future enhancements may include additional particle interaction models, extended material property libraries, and integration with educational curricula.
We are committed to maintaining scientific accuracy while continuously improving performance and user experience. The codebase follows established computational physics practices and leverages modern web standards for optimal cross-platform compatibility.
Experience these physics principles firsthand through our interactive particle simulation platform.