Something fun to play with

[MelCat]

HTML5 Fluid Simulation in WebGL

Hint - Click and drag to get it started
Tip - 1.) You probably need a halfway decent computer
Tip - 2.) You'll definitely need a current browser

 

[arcologist]

Here's some info on what is going on behind the scenes, since this is somewhat related to my research area (computer physical simulations).

It looks like they are doing a fluid simulation on a low-resolution grid (visualized in purple overtop of the cyan particles). They then use this low resolution fluid grid (as a texture on the GPU) to sample the flow direction and strength at each particle's position, which is used to modify its velocity.

A full simulation of the fluid as individual particles would not be interactive (taking seconds or minutes to compute one frame update). In addition, this simulation cannot handle incompressible fluids, but it sure looks cool!

 

[MelCat]

Thanks for the background arcologist.

Here is another fun site to play with.

Explore the Universe

 

[RAM]

Ah the second link is awesome MelCat! It's nice to be reminded how small we really are. And some have the audacity to say that we are the kings, the owners, the only life in the universe...

The sheer magnitude of it all is stunning