Help with Newtonian Mechanics & Fluids for Game Programming

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges of programming a Newtonian mechanics engine for a game, specifically focusing on fluid mechanics concepts such as shear stress, viscosity, and the mathematical framework behind Newtonian fluids. Participants explore foundational ideas and seek clarification on complex equations relevant to game development.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster seeks help understanding shear stress, fluid viscosity, gradients, and Newton's partial differential equation for Newtonian fluids.
  • Some participants suggest that fluid mechanics is typically a separate course and may require more depth than can be provided in a single thread.
  • One participant recommends reading a specific fluid mechanics textbook for a more comprehensive understanding.
  • Another participant provides a link to a webpage on fluid mechanics, suggesting it may be a useful resource.
  • The original poster expresses that while they found the Wikipedia entry on viscosity, they still struggle with understanding the variables and their meanings.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the topic of fluid mechanics is complex and may not be adequately covered in a single forum thread. However, there is no consensus on the best approach to learn the material, with some advocating for textbooks and others suggesting online resources.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge limitations in the depth of discussion due to the complexity of fluid mechanics and the original poster's current knowledge level. There are also indications of missing foundational knowledge that may hinder understanding of the advanced concepts discussed.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for game developers interested in implementing realistic fluid mechanics in their projects, as well as students or hobbyists looking to grasp the basics of fluid dynamics and its applications in programming.

GoldPheonix
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Hey, I'm working on programming a Newtonian mechanics engine (not as part of coursework, btw, for a game that I'm making).

I have some problems, however, as to how to approach fluid mechanics. I know a little bit: buoyant forces, specific gravity, and such. However, I just do not get the more complex (and hence what I need to program) equations and math for viscosity, Newtonian fluids, and such.

Could someone help me understand the basic nature of the following? (I have up to a calculus II knowledge and I know pretty much all of basic, general physics)

1. Sheer stress
2. Fluid viscosity constant --why is it in Pa*s?
3. Can someone give me a good idea of what a gradient is? I understand that mathematically it's a needed idea, and I get the concept of the partial derivative decently well (Though a little help there would be nice, too).
4. What does Newton's partial differential equation for Newtonian fluids mean in words? What does tao signify? (tao = eta*partial derivative(u) of y)
 
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This is usually taught as a separate semester long course, so I think it'd be hard to give a sufficiently deep and broad reply to your questions in a single thread.

If you're learning it for the first time, you'd be much better off reading a book on fluid mechanics from your library. I'd suggest the book on fluid mechanics by Frank M White
 
Not asking for in-depth stuff, just the very basics of the things asked.
 
You might find the http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/fluid.html" webpage on fluid mechanics useful. Still, I strongly suggest that you'd read a fluid mech book, especially for the basics.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I saw their entry on it, but I still don't get all the variables, what they mean, et cetera.

Wiki has the content, just not the explanation for the content.And thanks for the diagram, siddharth, it looks like their explanation will help me a bit.
 
Last edited:

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