Physically-based modeling and simulation attempts to map a natural
phenomena to a computer simulation program. There are two basic processes
in this mapping: mathematical modeling and
numerical solution. The goal of
this course is to understand both of them. The mathematical modeling
concerns the description of natural phenomena by
mathematical equations. Differential equations that govern dynamics
and geometric representation of objects are typical
ingredients of the mathematical model.
The numerical solution involves computing an efficient and accurate
solution of the mathematical equations. Finite precision of numbers,
limited computational power and memory forces us to approximate the
mathematical model with simple procedures.
In this course, we will study various techniques to simulate the physical
and mechanical behavior of objects in a graphical simulation or a virtual
environment. Students will learn about implementation of basic simulation
programs that produce interesting results and verify its correctness. The
course will cover three basic components in physically-based modeling and
simulation:
The goal of this class is to get students an appreciation of
computational methods for modeling of motions in the physical and
virtual world. We will discuss various considerations and tradeoffs
used in designing simulation methodologies (e.g. time, space, robustness,
and generality). This will include data structures, algorithms,
computational methods and simulation techniques, their complexity
and implementation. The lectures will also cover some applications of
physically-based modeling and simulation to the following areas:
Depending on the interests of the students, we may also cover
geometric-based simulation techniques, such as constraint-based
systems, inverse dynamics, kinematics of motions, motion
planning, synethesis and generation of autonomous agents.
LECTURES AND APPROXIMATE SCHEDULE
Here is a list of TENTATIVE lecture topics (subject to
changes). Schedule and information on each topic (e.g. readings, web
pointers) will be added during the semester before each class.
COURSE READING MATERIALS
Reference Papers Used in Lectures:
ASSIGNMENTS AND PROJECTS
The class grade of each student is determined by
POINTERS TO WEBSITES ON PHYSICALLY-BASED MODELING & ANIMATION:
RESEARCH GROUPS:
RESEARCHERS:
INDUSTRY
GEOMETRIC ALGORITHMS AND SOFTWARES AVAILABLE ON THE WEB:
Here are just some possible locations to find geometric software/libraries
and algorithmic toolkits you may need:
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