Gravitational N-Body Simulation (version 1.0 alpha)
programmed by Henley Quadling
(compiled for x86)

This interactive multi-threaded Windows NT application allows you to simulate 
N particles which are subject to their gravitational interactions. 

This program will use every iota of floating point power that your system has
to offer, try it out!

There is no limit on the number of particles; the speed of your fpu is the
only limiting factor. The calculation is a true three dimensional calculation,
with no cheating or anything unsavoury. There is an explicit accuracy control in the
Setup Dialog box.

I suppose the best way to learn how to use this program is just to play with
it. The Setup dialogue box (under the Configure menu) allows you (interalia) to 
enter the number of particles.

There are four comboboxes on the toolbar. 

The first combobox sets the bitmap for the current particle.

The second combobox sets the mass of the current particle. The actual mass of
the particle depends on the mass_scale_factor in the Setup Dialog box.

The third combobox sets the input mode. If the program is in POINT mode, then
just move the mouse cursor over to where you wish to place the particle, and click the
left mouse button. The initial velocity of the particle is assumed to be zero.
If the program is in VECTOR mode, then move the mouse cursor over to where you
wish to place the particle, click AND HOLD the left mouse button, and move the white 
line to specify the initial velocity of the particle. The actual magnitude of the 
velocity components depends on the velocity_scale_factor in the Setup Dialog box.

The fourth combobox lets you choose the display mode.

While the simulation is running, clicking the right mouse button will center the
display at the location of the mouse cursor.

The thread which does the calculation can be controlled under the Simulation Menu.

Any comments/suggestions are welcome at my internet address:
HQUADLING@mnhep.hep.umn.edu


