Gravity Simulator

This is an interactive 2D gravity simulator built with Python and Pygame. The simulation showcases gravitational forces between particles, with options for real-time interaction and visualization.

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Features

1. Gravity Simulation:

   • Simulates gravitational attraction between particles based on their mass and distance.
   • Particles influence each other dynamically in real-time.

2. Collision Detection:

   • Particles merge when they collide, conserving mass and radius.

3. Interactive Controls:

   • Right-click to add particles with velocity set by mouse direction.
   • Middle-click to remove particles by selecting them.
   • Adjustable particle properties like position, mass, radius, and velocity through the sidebar.

4. Vector Field Visualization:

   • Displays a vector field representing gravitational forces at grid points.
   • Color-coded arrows indicate the particle exerting the strongest force at each point.

5. Pause/Resume:

   • Pause and resume the simulation with the spacebar.

6. Particle Trails:

   • Visualize particle movement with trailing effects.

7. Screen Wrapping:

   • Particles wrap around the screen edges, maintaining simulation continuity.

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Installation

Prerequisites

• Python 3.x
• Pygame library

Steps

1. Clone this repository:

   git clone <repository-url>

2. Navigate to the project directory:

   cd gravity-simulator

3. Install the required dependencies:

   pip install pygame

4. Run the simulation:

   python main.py

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Controls

General Controls

• Arrow Keys: Select input fields in the sidebar.
• Enter: Confirm changes to the selected input.
• Backspace: Clear the current input field.
• Spacebar: Pause/Resume the simulation.
• Mouse Scroll: Adjust particle radius.

Mouse Actions

• Left Click: Drag particles or interact with sliders.
• Right Click: Add a new particle at the cursor's position.
• Middle Click: Remove particles by clicking on them.

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Sidebar Options

1. Adjust Particle Properties:

   • Modify position (X, Y), mass, radius, and initial velocity.

2. Gravitational Constant (G):

   • Use the slider to adjust the gravitational strength.

3. Vector Field Density:

   • Modify the spacing of the vector field grid.

4. Vector Field Toggle:

   • Checkbox to enable or disable the vector field visualization.

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Future Improvements

• Performance Optimization:

  • Implement spatial partitioning (e.g., quadtrees) for faster collision detection and force calculations.

• Enhanced Visuals:

  • Add smooth animations for particle merging.
  • Provide more customization options for particle trails and colors.

• Advanced Features:

  • Add preset systems (e.g., solar system, galaxies).
  • Allow users to reset the simulation.

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License

This project is licensed under the MIT License. See LICENSE for details.

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Acknowledgments

• Built using Pygame.
• Inspired by physics simulations and gravitational systems.