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Particle Life

Math Chaos

Particle Life Simulation

Section titled “Particle Life Simulation”

Particle Life is an interactive simulation where simple attraction and repulsion rules between different types of particles give rise to complex, life-like behaviors, including cells, clusters, and self-organizing structures.

Core Mechanics

Section titled “Core Mechanics”

The simulation is based on a set of simple interactions between particle species. Each species has a specific attraction or repulsion force toward every other species (and itself).

Rules of Interaction

Section titled “Rules of Interaction”
  • Distance-based Forces: Particles exert forces on each other based on their proximity.
  • Color-coded Species: Particles are grouped by color, where each color has a unique set of interaction rules.
  • Emergence: From these basic rules, higher-order structures emerge that appear to move, rotate, and interact in ways similar to microorganisms.

Key Features

Section titled “Key Features”

Java GUI

A robust graphical user interface built with Java, providing real-time control over the simulation.

Rule Customization

Adjust the attraction/repulsion matrix to discover entirely different “ecosystems.”

Real-time Visualization

Watch thousands of particles interact at high frame rates.

Cross-Platform

Built with Java/Gradle, allowing it to run on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Getting Started

Section titled “Getting Started”

Building from Source

Section titled “Building from Source”

To run the Particle Life app, you will need Java 16 or higher and Git.

  1. Clone the Repository Ensure you have all the project files locally.

  2. Run with Gradle Execute the following command in the project root:

    Terminal window
    ./gradlew run

Technical Details

Section titled “Technical Details”

Framework Architecture

Section titled “Framework Architecture”
  • Language: Java
  • Build System: Gradle
  • Rendering: Custom rendering engine for efficient particle display.