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.
Real project asset
Orbit Visualization
Central Star
Elliptical Path
Planet Config
Kepler Solver
Highlight
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
Screenshots & Visuals
Real project screenshots and outputs appear first. Where a project has no existing screenshots, the visuals are grounded diagrams or output previews based on the actual project structure.
Orbit Snapshot
Actual static image generated by the Orbit Simulator project using its Matplotlib rendering workflow.
Animated Orbit Output
Actual animated GIF output generated by the simulator to show orbital motion over time.
Planet Configuration Panel
Grounded configuration visual based on the project's JSON-driven planetary system input and Kepler solver workflow.
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.