In the interactive simulation below, you choose a procedure to form a piece of metal. It shows how the atoms in a metal arrange to form domains.
The colour of each atom depends on its neighbours. If the neighbours are aligned horizontally, the atom is one colour. If it is rotated slightly, it changes to a different colour. The aim of this colour scheme is to show the different grains or domains within the lump: One domain will be a uniform-ish colour, and have a different colour around it. Grain boundaries can be any colour, and atoms around a defect are typically another colour again.
The different materials have different atomic properties, in particular, material 1 has a more localised attraction potential, and grain boundaries, slip surfaces and defects move much less than the other materials. By contrast, in material 3, the grain boundaries and defects move much more readily.
Alloys have two types of atoms, both with very similar atomic properties, but different radii.
No quantum mechanics is simulated here: The only physics here is a pair-wise potential between nearby atoms.
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Mars LanderAn interactive simulation of a Mars Lander trying to land on Mars. The term "interactive" here means that you have to write the software, in Javascript, that will land the probe. |
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The double slit and observersA look at the double slit experiment. The first half is meant to be a clear explanation, using simulations. The second half discusses some of the philosophy / interpretations of quantum mecahnics. |
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Saturn's ringsA simulation of Saturn's rings --- a few thousand particles are simulated, in a repeating tiled region. You use the mouse and keys to fly in it. |
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