Modeling Physics within a Computer Simulation

by Matthew Dunmire

Submitted : Fall 2009

The calculations required for this project demonstrate how pure Calculus can be translated into real world uses. Using the general motion equations to account for initial velocity and acceleration of the particle in the independent x (horizontal) and y(vertical) planes makes it possible to determine whether or not the object in question, in this case the 'bot', will be struck by the projectile, and if so, where the impact will occur. The special cases involved follow: In all of the sub-questions it is assumed that the force imparted on the projectile is done at a 1 or 3-degree angle, respectively Because the force is acting in two different planes (horizontal and vertical) trigonometry must be used to determine what the magnitude of each velocity is. In scenarios 'd' and 'e' the bot is also moving and therefore the distance of travel needs to be determined (in the latter case arc length is necessary) After applying the techniques described above it was found that none of the listed 'scenarios' resulted in a head shot, or even in the projectile striking the 'bot.'

[ Back ]