Guide to Dynamic Simulations of Rigid Bodies and Particle Systems [Paperback]

This book introduces the techniques needed to produce realistic simulations and animations of particle and rigid-body systems. The text focuses on both the theoretical and practical aspects of developing and implementing physically based dynamic-simulation engines. Each chapter examines numerous algorithms, describing their design and analysis in an accessible manner, without sacrificing depth of coverage or mathematical rigor. Features: examines the problem of computing an hierarchical representation of the geometric description of each simulated object, as well as the simulated world; discusses the use of discrete and continuous collision detection to handle thin or fast-moving objects; describes the computational techniques needed for determining all impulsive and contact forces between bodies with multiple simultaneous collisions and contacts; presents techniques that can be used to dynamically simulate articulated rigid bodies; concludes each chapter with exercises.This book introduces techniques for producing realistic simulations and animations of particle and rigid-body systems. The focus is on both the theoretical and practical aspects of developing and implementing physically based dynamic-simulation engines.

Physically based modeling is widely used within the fields of computer graphics and mechanical engineering for complex systems that are difficult to analyze using conventional mechanics theory.

This Guide to Dynamic Simulations of Rigid Bodies and Particle Systems presents a comprehensive introduction to the techniques needed to produce realistic simulations and animations of particle and rigid-body systems. The book focuses on both the theoretical and practical aspects of developing and implementing physically based dynamic-simulation engines. Opening with an overview of the independent modules constituting a simulation engine, the text then provides detailed explanations for each technique, with more complC(