PhysicsUniverse 2.51
 

This program is based on the popular "game of life" activity that grew out of John Conway's mathematical experiment.  A simple 'universe' is represented by a grid of squares that follows simple rules for how it changes with time.  Each square is either 'on' (lit) or 'off' (darkened).  You can initially populate your universe with any combination or patterns you wish.  Whether or not a square is lit in the next generation is determined by how many of the square's neighbors are lit.  Each square is surrounded by eight squares.  Any of the eight that are 'on' is a neighbor to the middle square.   If a square has more than three neighbors, then it will be turned off (or remain off) in the next generation.  Think of it as crowding or overpopulation.  If a square has fewer than two neighbors then it is turned off as well -- (loneliness?).  If a square has exactly two neighbors, then it will remain in whatever state it is currently in.  And if a square has exactly three neighbors, then it is turned on (or remains on) in the next generation.  Some universes degenerate into stable alternating or unchanging states.  Some just disappear!  Others explode into all manner of chaos.  The fun is in seeing patterns and designs emerge.  Catalogs of interesting shapes can be found on the internet.

This program simply allows the user to set up a 'grid' universe with whatever patterns are desired, and then watch it change.  The maximum grid size the program will handle is 280 across by 160 down.

Status:  Freeware,  fully functional indefinately

Written in:  Visual Basic 6.0   by  Mervin Bitikofer   11/04

Minimum system requirements:     Windows 95 / 98 / or ME   with at least 1024 x 768 resolution screen

Instructions:  This is a stand-alone executable file.  There is no installation program.  Once you download it, there it is!  You can either click on it where it is, or create your own shortcuts to it if you wish.

Click here to download   PhysicsUniverse.exe    92 KB file