Orbital Simulation and the N-Body Problem

Simulation Config
Simulation Preset: Solar-System
Simulation Preset: Sandbox with Distances
Simulation Preset: Sandbox

Context

The n-body problem describes the motion of "n" objects under the influence of each other's gravitational field. As described by Brittanica: "In the general n-body problem, all bodies have arbitrary masses, initial velocities, and positions; the bodies interact through Newton’s law of gravitation, and one attempts to determine the subsequent motion of all the bodies." This theoretical equation is closely linked with the motion of celestial bodies, leading to centuries of research and testing to find a general solution. Although many approximations have been found (such as restricted 3-body problems of Jupiter’s effect on asteroids), an exact general equation has yet to be discovered. Source: Brittanica

Inspiration

Our team wanted to contribute our visualizations to the body of n-body research in the hopes that a general solution would be found.

Capabilities

To-scale simulation of the solar system
2-body, 3-body, and sandbox simulations
Visualization of distances between bodies
Dynamic simulation parameters (Mass size and object quantity)

How we built it

Our website is based on HTML5 and CSS3. We used p5.js to create the 2-D physics simulations in Javascript. AI was used to make this project in the following ways:

Debugging physics simulations based on p5.js
General research on how to implement p5.js into our project

Challenges we ran into

Learning p5.js and implementing it into a website
Accurate math equations that constrain our simulation to a physically consistent model

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Visualizations we were able to create
Creating and implementing a website through Github Pages

What we learned

Physics modeling using p5.js
Website design
Mathematics that describes kinematic motion

What's Next for Orbital Simulation and the N-Body Problem

More physically-accurate models
Potential for 3-D Simulation incorporating libraries like Three.js, Ammo.js, etc.
Preset masses that are similar to existing celestial bodies (planets, asteroids, etc)
Better visuals for our simulation