California State University San Bernardino
Department of Computer Science and Engineering
Masters Thesis Defense

Friday, November 14, 2008 11:00am - 12:00pm

JBH 389/391

Extensible Simulation of Planets and Comets

Candidate Natalie A. Wiser-Orozco

Advisor Dr. Keith E. Schubert

Committee Members Dr. Ernesto Gomez Dr. Richard J. Botting

Abstract

The research conducted is intended to enhance the way we view and study our
solar system and others, by allowing scientists of astronomy, physics, and
computer science to accurately simulate many different celestial systems.
By creating this extensible simulator, we can organize the celestial bodies
to be studied, into groups called projects, calculate their positions, 
graphically visualize their movement using the computed positions, and 
finally, be able extend this tool to accommodate additional numerical 
methods, body shapes and behaviors, and camera views.  The underlying 
science behind the Extensible Simulator is the n-body problem, which is 
derived from the laws of Kepler and Newton.  The n-body equation along side
Runge-Kutta's Fourth Order ordinary differential equation solver as the 
numeric method, are the methods we use for the calculation of the body 
positions.  A thorough explanation of the Extensible Simulator will be 
given, paying close attention to it's extensible components, which will 
allow others in this field of study to contribute a multitude of features 
in the form of plug-ins as their needs arise.  These extensible components
are what separates the Extensible Simulator from it's predecessors, and 
will make a significant contribution to the fields of astronomy, physics, 
and computer science.