Aug 2024 - Dec 2024
Orbit Simulator Project
Scientific computing project for simulating planetary motion using Kepler's laws.
Orbit Simulator models elliptical planetary motion around a central star using numerical methods and Kepler's laws. It supports demo mode, interactive input, JSON configuration, static snapshots, and animated GIF generation.
Conceptual Visual
Orbit Visualization
Central Star
Elliptical Path
Planet Config
Kepler Solver
Static / GIF Output
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Kepler-Based Motion
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JSON Configuration
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Static + GIF Output
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Scientific Visualization
Executive Summary
Orbit Simulator models elliptical planetary motion around a central star using numerical methods and Kepler's laws. It supports demo mode, interactive input, JSON configuration, static snapshots, and animated GIF generation.
Problem Statement
Orbital mechanics can be difficult to understand without visual feedback. This simulator turns mathematical models into clear visual outputs and configurable planetary systems.
What I Built
Demo mode
Interactive input
JSON configuration
Static orbit snapshot
Animated GIF output
How It Works
A conceptual workflow showing how the project moves from input to processing and output.
Step 1
Planet Config
Step 2
Kepler Equation Solver
Step 3
Position Calculation
Step 4
Orbit Rendering
Step 5
Static / GIF Output
Architecture / System Design
A simplified system view of the major project components and how responsibilities connect.
Step 1
JSON / Input
Step 2
Simulation Engine
Step 3
Numerical Solver
Step 4
Matplotlib Renderer
Step 5
Image / GIF Export
Technical Implementation
Simulation
- Kepler-based motion
- Elliptical orbit modeling
- Position calculation over time
Configuration
- Demo mode
- Interactive input
- JSON planetary systems
Visualization
- Static snapshots
- Animated GIF output
- Matplotlib rendering
Tools
- Python
- NumPy
- Matplotlib
Visual Showcase
Conceptual preview panels for the project experience. These are intentional placeholders, not fake screenshots.
Elliptical Orbit Preview
Conceptual panel with a central star and elliptical orbital path.
Planet Configuration Panel
Clean placeholder for JSON-based planetary system configuration.
Position Calculation Flow
Numerical path from orbital parameters to plotted coordinates.
Animation Output Placeholder
Intentional preview panel for static and GIF visualization output.
Challenges & Solutions
Challenge
Orbital equations are abstract without visual feedback.
Solution
Converted Kepler-based calculations into static and animated visual outputs.
Challenge
A useful simulator should support more than one hardcoded demo.
Solution
Added interactive and JSON configuration modes for custom systems.
Results / Impact
Demonstrates practical software engineering through modular structure, readable workflows, and clear technical documentation.
Shows ability to convert course and research concepts into working systems with real implementation constraints.