Physics for Game Programmers

Grant Palmer is the author of the acclaimed Java Programmer's Reference and is a recognized expert in both the C# and Java languages. Grant has worked as a scientific programmer in the Space Technology Division at NASA's Ames Research Center for the past 20 years. This has involved working with Java since 1996, developing programs for scientific applications as well as converting older FORTRAN and C applications to the Java and C# platforms.

• Physics for Game Programmers shows you how to infuse compelling and realistic action into game programming even if you don t have a college-level physics background! Author Grant Palmer covers basic physics and mathematical models and then shows how to implement them, to simulate motion and behavior of cars, planes, projectiles, rockets, and boats. This book is neither code heavy nor language specific, and all chapters include unique, challenging exercises for you to solve. This unique book also includes historical footnotes and interesting trivia. You ll enjoy the conversational tone, and rest assured: all physics jargon will be properly explained.About the Author ... xvii About the Technical Reviewers ... xix Acknowledgments ... xxi Introduction ... xxiii CHAPTER 1 Adding Realism to Your Games ... 1 CHAPTER 2 Some Basic Concepts ... 5 CHAPTER 3 Basic Newtonian Mechanics ... 21 CHAPTER 4 Basic Kinematics ... 49 CHAPTER 5 Projectiles ... 83 CHAPTER 6 Collisions ... 139 CHAPTER 7 Sports Simulations ... 167 CHAPTER 8 Cars and Motorcycles ... 211 CHAPTER 9 Boats and Things That Float ... 245 CHAPTER 10 Airplanes ... 275 CHAPTER 11 Rockets and Missiles ... 319 CHAPTER 12 The Physics of Solids ... 351 CHAPTER 13 Explosions ... 371 CHAPTER 14 Lasers ... 385 CHAPTER 15 Probabilistic and Monte Carlo Simulations ... 403 ■INDEX ... 423