Objects
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- Objects are the basic components of SketchyPhysics simulations. To create one, simply draw somethng with SketchUp and group it. Only groups are recognized as objects by the physics engine (non-grouped surfaces/edges/volumes will be intangible).
You can also create objects with appropriate shapes already applied using the shapes toolbar.
Remember that when you create a custom object you have to set the appropriate physics shape. If you're not sure, it's normally a good idea to use a 'convex hull'.
Contents |
Object properties 
Edit
All the objects have those properties, which can be modified via the UI or the contextual menu.
Center of gravity (COG)Edit
The center of gravity is a geometrical point positioned in the center of the boundary box of an object. It is the point used by the engine to calculate the influence of the gravity and magnets on the object. Remember that in complex objects the center of gravity is in the exact center. So if you group a box and a cylinder to make an hammer, the COG will be not in the hammer's head, but near the center of the handle. So, unexpected results may occur. This is one of the reasons behind the creation of the joints. If you want to create something with realistic COG, use for example, the "fixed" joint.
Axes Edit
The three axes (red, green, blue) are a property of any object. The blue one is the most important because by default is used to determine the direction of emitters and thrusters.
Normal groups' axes are aligned to the model's axes. Sketchy Solids' axes are determined by the user's clicks.
Change axes direction
To change the emission axis of an object you can do two things:
- right-click the group and select Make Component. Then right-click it again and select Change Axes. This will change the blue axis' position.(Sometimes components act strange during the simulation)
- In the script formula, write [0,0,(formula)] or [(formula),0,0] or [0,(formula),0] to use another axis.
- EDIT: Another way to change the axes is to go into the group and use the Axes tool to redirect the blue axes in any direction.
State Edit
| ignore | Act like a non-grouped geometry. |
| static | The object will NEVER move |
| frozen | Similar to static, but will become movable when touched by a non-frozen object or clicked |
| ShowCollision | The object will show his true physical shape. Used in debug. |
| noautofreeze | |
| magnetic | The object will be influenced by magnets |
| NoCollision | The object will act like movable "ignore" |
Shape Edit
| default | Like the box shape. When attributed to complex objects, will respect the sub-groups' shape |
| box | Uses the selection box around the object as the shape |
| sphere | |
| cylinder | |
| cone | |
| capsule | |
| chamfer | |
| convexhull | Any shape without convexities will be faithfully represented |
| staticmesh | The visible shape of the object, included convexities, will be represented. But the object will be static. |
