Sneak peak at thrusters | Algoblog

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12 Comments

Sneak peak at thrusters

Monday, March 7th, 2011 | Algodoo, Development | joel

I am always pleased when we are able to add functionality to Algodoo that makes me think “I wonder what people will be able to do with this”. And today it is time for a sneak peak at functionality that makes me think just that. Thrusters!

That is right, the ability to apply constant forces to objects with easily set controls, just like motors. The thrusters are attached just like lasers and you set their size and direction, this makes the thrusters as easy to work with as other tools you are used to.

Thruster in action!

When creating the thrusters we ran into a dilemma. What is a thruster?

Generally we think of a rocket engine, but this brings up another issue, that of fuel. The change of mass during use makes it less than trivial to have in Algodoo. Instead we chose to use fuel-less propulsion, just as with our motors. Keep it simple, as applying a constant force is what most people want to use, and through ingenuity fuel based rockets can be created.

In any case, I know the wondrous things the users of Algodoo are able to create using the current tools, and am very much looking forward to see when you can test this out and amaze me again.

Joel

Tags: Algodoo, Design, Development, force tool, forces, GUI, Science education, thruster tool, thrusters, UI, User interface, visualization

12 Comments to 'Sneak peak at thrusters'

under Ground
March 8, 2011

This looks great! I can wait to see this implemented!

Kilinich
March 9, 2011

Finally! We’ve waiting it for a years )-)

RaRaMalum
March 9, 2011

I love you guys again, been waiting for ages on this.
Make sure it works with thyme please(in other words no variable bugs please).

tatt61880
March 9, 2011

I’d like to see how scenes people will create with this, too.

Nick
March 10, 2011

Thank you.

RA2lover
March 13, 2011

is the thruster texture a placeholder?

anyway, why is the fixate necessary if it gets attached like a laser pen?

i think the chalkboard eraser-like tool could be better done by using the sketch tool geometry deletion gesture, or just a brush set to erase.

talking about the sketch tool, what will the gesture will look like when drawing a thruster? i presume most people would try a paperclip-like drawing pattern, but it might get mistaken by a tracer.

cable tools? awesome.

Emil
March 31, 2011

Yeah, the texture is a placeholder. Why, don’t you like my programmers art?

We haven’t come up with a gesture for a thruster yet, nor am I sure we will. Just like the laser and gear, it will probably lack a gesture.

RaRaMalum
April 3, 2011

Will it be possible to rotate it(with thyme or anything else) or will it be fixated exactly like a laser?

Ivanlul
April 12, 2011

When you introduce thrusters please make an object’s velocity readable through thyme, this will increase the applications for thrusters and allow motion-based scenes to be more complex.

FuzzyLogicBrain
May 12, 2011

OOHhhhhhh! whens it coming?! i thought it would look something like the laser.

FuzzyLogicBrain
May 12, 2011

sty for the double post but, are there any videos?

TiagoTiago
December 4, 2011

Perhaps the gesture for thrusters could be somthing like a 3-humped M, a shape that kinda looks like a simplified rocket flame?

(regular M has only 2 humps; if you draw it right side up (with the “humps” pointing up like how you write M) the thruster is created oriented so that positive thrust pushes downward)

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