Matthis Linck

Archai

2026

nbody.py – three equal masses with initial positions and velocities tuned to the figure-eight three-body orbit: a stable configuration where all three bodies trace the same closed curve.

A collection of small physics simulations in Python + pygame, built alongside Richard Feynman's Six Easy Pieces. Each script takes one concept from classical physics and makes it interactive – instead of reading a formula, you watch particles enact it.

Four scripts, four ideas: lennard-jones.py for states of matter via atomic attraction and repulsion; mechanics.py for Newtonian motion; nbody.py for gravity as an N-body problem; electrostatics.py for the field between point charges.

Feynman's approach – build concepts from a few simple rules – translates naturally into simulation. Either you watch the equation produce something recognizable and understand why, or it doesn't and you learn why not.

electrostatics.py – field between a negative (blue) and positive (red) point charge. Each arrow shows the electric field direction at that grid point; magnitude falls off with 1/r².

Tech

Python · pygame