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Re: by hermitcrab on Wednesday November 19, 2025 @12:46PM (#45982440)
Yes, but this would slow the simulation right down if 2 bodies are very close. I think people sometimes use a 'fudge factor', e.g. if distance < x then treat distance as x.
Re: by hermitcrab on Wednesday November 19, 2025 @12:51PM (#45982504)
>'fudge factor'

Maybe that is what the 'softening' parameter relates to?

Re: by jgchaos on Wednesday November 19, 2025 @01:23PM (#45982988)
Yes, the softening factor keeps the forces from getting too big when bodies get close together. Better for the visualization but not very accurate to leave it in.
Re: by hermitcrab on Wednesday November 19, 2025 @03:19PM (#45984576)
Better than things flying off to infinity or the whole simulation slowing right down.