Electricity in a 2D mechanicssimulator for education

Abstract: Electricity can be a difficult topic to grasp since it is abstract, it is e.g. not possible to see the current and the voltage in a circuit. If electricity can be simulated and visualized, it can become less abstract and easier to understand. This thesis covers the process of simulating electricity in real-time together with a mechanics simulator, called Algodoo. The process of analyzing electric circuits from a computers point of view is covered as well as different ways of simulating electric motors, generators and lasers. A large part of the thesis covers how to integrate the electricity and the mechanics simulators in a stable and accurate way. Furthermore, making the objects of the mechanics simulator able to conduct electricity is also covered. The thesis shows that it is possible to simulate electricity in real-time, and that physically correct conducting objects requires a lot of processing power, but can be simplified without losing too much correctness. The thesis also shows that the electrical and mechanics simulators preferably should be solved together to get a stable simulation. Simulating electricity opens up an endless number of interactive scenarios, e.g. mechanical switches, potentiometers, relays and even logic gates. It can be a helpful aid as an introduction to electronics and since the simulators are integrated, it can also provide an introduction to mechanical work. The amount of energy required to perform dierent tasks can be compared and analyzed.