Algodoo

So you assume polygon as equivalent circle right?

1. Why the thrusters?

2. What are you attempting to demonstrate?

Kilinich,

Yes, as usual I'm looking for the easy way out.

Xray,

Q: Why the thrusters?
A: The objects would "sink" without thrusters.

Q: What are you attempting to demonstrate?
A: Buoyancy.

Obviously you are demonstrating buoyancy! What I was asking was, what's the point of this scene? Surely you aren't simply showing that steel is less buoyant than wood, which most intelligent people already understand! There must be a deeper reason for this, right?

I guess I'm simulating buoyancy without using Algodoo water. One advantage I see is that it could reduce scene lag. One disadvantage is that there is no reaction force pushing down on the water. This might be corrected with an equal and opposite thruster attached to the water.

Interesting! This deserves further investigation, especially if someone eventually figures out a way to emulate and replace Algodoo water, which we all know has its problems and limitations.

Thanks!


EDIT: BTW - (this is a little off-topic) but if you like high voltage, and if you like explosions, then check out this article: Water Arcs . I have played around with this a few years ago, and now the bug is biting me again and I might do some more experimenting with it.

The Water Arcs article is interesting. The observation of instantly atomizing water reminds me of two other water experiments:

Put a water bottle in the freezer for various lengths of time. After some length of time, just before it freezes, you can carefully remove the water bottle from the freezer and give it one shake and it will freeze instantly. Supercooled Water - Explained!

Put a new clean smooth mug of water in the microwave for various lengths of time. After some length of time, just before it boils, you can carefully remove the mug from the microwave and give it one shake and it will boil instantly. This is a dangerous experiment. You need something to protect your face and hands. Superheating of water (Mythbusters)