Looking for a decent gravity simulator

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    Gravity Simulator
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding a suitable gravity simulator that allows users to place bodies arbitrarily and observe the effects of gravitational interactions, particularly in the context of launching a projectile from Luna towards Earth while considering the sun's gravitational influence. The scope includes theoretical exploration and practical application of simulations in astrophysics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks a gravity simulator to observe the trajectory of a one-tonne projectile launched retrograde from Luna at ~2.7 km/s, specifically interested in the sun's perturbative effects on the orbit.
  • Another participant suggests a basic gravity simulator called "gravity lab" for iPad, noting its limitations in functionality.
  • A different participant argues that a professional-grade simulator may be necessary for such specific experiments, suggesting that coding a custom simulation might be the best approach.
  • One participant recommends the astrophysical code Gadget for simulating N-body problems, highlighting its availability and the requirement for Unix knowledge to set it up.
  • A later reply mentions Universe Sandbox as a program that allows for arbitrary body placement, sharing an experience where the projectile's orbit resulted in an unexpected inclination, indicating the need for aiming capabilities.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the availability and suitability of existing simulators for the specific needs outlined, with no consensus on a single solution. Some suggest existing software, while others propose custom coding or professional tools.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the varying capabilities of suggested simulators, the need for specific technical skills to use certain software, and the lack of consensus on the best approach to achieve the desired simulation outcomes.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in astrophysics simulations, educators in physics, and hobbyists exploring gravitational dynamics may find this discussion relevant.

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I am looking for a gravity simulator that let's me place new bodies arbitrarily. Specifically, I want to watch what happens when firing a one tonne projectile retrograde from Luna at ~2.7km/s. The projectile will end up in an elliptical Earth orbit, but I don't want to discount the sun's influence. I want to see how much the sun perturbs the orbit of the projectile compared to the basic Earth-Luna problem.
 
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You can get a basic gravity simulator that help illustrates general relativity for the iPad called "gravity lab" it limited in terms of thing you can do
 
sounds like you're looking for some type of professional software, you probably won't find anything that meets the specifications for an experiment like that online

You'll either need access to a lab with it or you'll probably have to pay a lot for it

Your best bet is probably just to code your own simulation
 
The astrophysical code Gadget does a pretty good job of simulating N-body problems with multiple gravitating bodies. It is freely available here. You will need to be Unix-savvy to install it, and there is a learning curve associated with setting up the initial conditions.
 
I found a program that appears to do what I want. Universe Sandbox let's me place arbitrary bodies, so I can simulate launches from Luna.

The result was an amusing failure. Within one orbit around Earth, the projectile had an orbital inclination of nearly 90 degrees. A launcher like this clearly would need some ability to aim.
 

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