What is the architecture of a C++ physics engine?

What is the architecture of a C++ physics engine?

A C++ physics engine typically consists of several key components: a broad-phase collision detection system, a narrow-phase collision detection system, a physics solver, and a scene management system. Each component plays a crucial role in simulating realistic physics.

Can you explain the broad-phase collision detection?

Broad-phase collision detection is the first step in identifying potential collisions between objects. It uses simple bounding volumes, like AABBs (Axis-Aligned Bounding Boxes), to quickly eliminate pairs of objects that are far apart and cannot collide, thus optimizing performance.

What about the narrow-phase collision detection?

Narrow-phase collision detection is more precise and checks for actual intersections between objects that passed the broad-phase check. It often involves complex algorithms to determine the exact points of contact and resolve collisions accurately.

How does the physics solver work?

The physics solver integrates the equations of motion to update the positions and velocities of objects over time. It handles forces, constraints, and collisions to ensure that the simulation behaves realistically.

What are some common challenges in physics engine design?

Common challenges include achieving real-time performance, handling complex interactions, ensuring stability in simulations, and managing resource usage effectively.